Joe Dean, the final man to qualify for this week’s Open Championship, posted a two‑under‑par 68 at the inaugural Last Chance Qualifier to clinch the last spot in the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale. After six straight pars, a birdie on the seventh and an eagle on the 14th put him three under, securing his place ahead of reserve Aldrich Potgieter. Dean, world number 268, turned professional in 2016 and has balanced sparse tour events with a job as a Morrisons delivery driver. A runner‑up finish at the 2024 Kenya Open revived his DP World Tour status, and now he will share the first two rounds with 2016 champion Henrik Stenson and Max Homa.

The event, featuring 12 golfers over 18 holes, aims to boost attendance at Birkdale, with expectations of over 300,000 spectators. While Dean joked about pitching a tent on the course, he also looks forward to marrying his caddie Emily after the tournament. The format and early‑morning start attracted crowds, boosted by social‑media star Wesley Bryan, adding intrigue to the historic links.

If Dean makes the cut, the prize money will go toward his upcoming wedding, turning a dream qualification into a personal celebration.