GOLF: Former delivery driver books final Open spot but faces accommodation scramble

Former supermarket delivery driver Joe Dean fired a two-under-par 68 to win the inaugural Last Chance Qualifier at Royal Birkdale on Monday, earning the final place in the 154th Open Championship.

The 268th-ranked Englishman now faces a different kind of challenge ahead of the major tournament: finding a place to stay. With hotels in Southport, Merseyside, fully booked, Dean joked that he may have to pitch a tent near the putting green or sleep in his car.

"We were fortunate to get a hotel room last night, but everywhere else is booked," Dean told the BBC.

The 32-year-old’s career revival has been one of golf’s most remarkable turnarounds.

Dean turned professional in 2016 and made the cut on his Open debut at Royal Birkdale the following year before slipping down the world rankings. To continue pursuing his dream, he worked as a delivery driver for supermarket chain Morrisons while competing on the professional circuit.

His fortunes changed after finishing runner-up at the 2024 Kenya Open, helping him regain his place on the DP World Tour and setting up his return to the biggest stage in golf.

The Royal Birkdale appearance begins a busy period for Dean, who is set to marry his caddie, Emily, next Tuesday.

"A week off would have made the wedding a bit easier, but the Open is a good excuse to liven things up," Dean said.

The Open Championship begins on Thursday, with Royal Birkdale hosting the tournament for the 11th time.

-Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters