The Open: Joe Dean, ex-Morrisons delivery driver turned DP World Tour regular, wins Last-Chance Qualifier at Royal Birkdale
Professional golfer Joe Dean has qualified for The Open after winning the Last-Chance Qualifier at Royal Birkdale. Dean, who worked as a delivery driver during the pandemic, is now a regular on the DP World Tour.
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The story serves as a human-interest narrative regarding career perseverance and success in professional sports.
Joe Dean is putting final preparations for his wedding on hold after securing a late invite to The Open by winning the Last-Chance Qualifier at Royal Birkdale. <p>Dean celebrated a one-shot victory over Andrew Wilson in the inaugural edition of the 12-man event on Monday morning, posting a two-under 68 to secure the last spot in the field for the final men's major of the year.</p><p>The Englishman made his debut at The Open when it was last held at Royal Birkdale in 2017 but struggled during the early years of his journeyman career, working as a Morrisons delivery driver during Covid and as recently as 2024.</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/golf/live-blog/12176/13562792/the-open-2026-build-up-live-latest-news-updates-highlights-from-royal-birkdale-ahead-of-final-mens-major-of-the-year">The Open build-up LIVE! Latest news from Royal Birkdale</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12176/13561596/the-open-2026-tv-coverage-royal-birkdale-schedule-start-times-featured-groups-and-how-to-watch-or-stream-major-on-sky-sports">When is The Open on Sky?
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