A day later, the Open\u2019s organisers broke with recent form by producing some of the real stuff. The Birkdale scene was all the better for that. For the 154th staging of golf\u2019s original major, there has been the introduction of a last\u2011chance qualifier. A dozen\u00a0players, 18 holes and the final spot in the Open up for grabs. Such a simple idea, but a terrific\u00a0one.<\/p>\n
Augusta National would never follow suit, but imagine this to start Masters week? An Open practice day, ordinarily a time for shadow boxing, instead provided competitive and compelling sport. It is believed 1962 in Troon \u2013 when Jack Nicklaus made his debut \u2013 was the last time Open competitors qualified on the tournament course. For Dean, a little piece of\u00a0history in front of strong\u00a0galleries.<\/p>\n
The 32-year-old held his nerve to prevail by a shot. He led by three after an eagle at the 14th, but a three-putt and a dropped shot a hole later gave hope to the field. Dean\u2019s 68, including that nerveless par at the last, edged Andrew Wilson into second place. Aldrich Potgieter would have forced a playoff with a birdie at the closing hole, the 21-year-old South African instead slipping to a bogey five.<\/p>\n
This was every bit as engaging as the R&A surely hoped it could be. As first reserve, Potgieter has a decent opportunity to feature in the Open.<\/p>\n
Emily, Joe Dean\u2019s fiancee \u2013 and caddie for the day \u2013 watches him line up a putt. Photograph: Michael Reaves\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
Here begins a hectic few days for Dean. He marries Emily, who caddied for him, next Tuesday. The Yorkshireman has made the cut on his previous two Open appearances, including here in 2017. As recently as 2024, Dean was behind the wheel of a Morrisons van, having started the job during\u00a0Covid.<\/p>\n
\u201cI did it for four years,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was great. I never regret doing\u00a0it. I met some really good friends and it grounded me really well.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy coach keeps saying to me: \u2018Don\u2019t let the game define you.\u2019 This is not your typical nine-to-five job. It is a lifestyle. It\u2019s hard to get out of that lifestyle.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was playing just one-day events at the time, a lot of mini-tours. I got to the point where tour school was starting to get out of reach with the cost it was getting to. Fortunately, I had some really good friends around me. Max, who used to caddie for me, his parents knew some very good people and our friends, and they said to me, do you want to try tour school in November 2023?<\/p>\n
\u201cI was like, why not? I have nothing to lose. I got through every stage, got a card and struggled for\u00a0money.\u201d<\/p>\n
The drop-offs continued. Dean\u2019s scenario changed with a second-place finish and \u00a3170,000 cheque from the Kenya Open in February 2024. \u201cI never looked back after\u00a0that.\u201d<\/p>\n
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