'I'll sleep in the car if I have to' - Last Chance Qualifier winner Dean on hunt for Open housing
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Joe Dean will play in his third major championship, having made his debut at Royal Birkdale in 2017 By Ben Croucher BBC Sport journalist at Royal Birkdale Published 44 minutes ago Does anybody in the Southport area have a spare tent? Joe Dean, the final man to qualify for this week's Open Championship, needs somewhere to stay. The Sheffield golfer shot a two-under-par round of 68 on Monday to win by one shot the inaugural Last Chance Qualifier - 12 players competing for the final spot in the 154th staging of golf's oldest major. Sinking a winning putt, in front of the iconic art deco clubhouse at Royal Birkdale on Sunday will be followed by the immortal words 'Champion Golfer of the Year'. For Dean, the prize of simply qualifying for The Open is one he'll cherish, and now send him house hunting. "We were fortunate to get a hotel room last night but everywhere else is booked," he said, before joking: "With the weather like it is I could probably pitch a tent next to the putting green. "Maybe like in Troon in 2024, we'll find a camper van park but I'll sleep in the car if I have to." After six straight pars, a solitary birdie on the par-three seventh meant Dean was the only player of the dozen to reach the turn under par. The World Number 268 surged further clear with a stunning eagle on the par-five 14th to move to three under. His nerveless scrambling for bogey on the par-four 13th and sumptuous 20-yard greenside bunker shot to tap-in range on the 18th saw Dean set the clubhouse pace. When 2025 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year Aldrich Potgieter, who is first reserve and will be in the field if anyone drops out, failed to make birdie, Dean's spot in his third Open was secure. Morrisons van to Birkdale man Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Dean's bunker shot on the 18th helped him to get up and down for par Dean's path to the 154th Open Championship is a road less travelled. Having turned professional in 2016, and made the cut on his Open debut at Birkdale the following year, he fell down the world rankings, and was combining sparse playing opportunities with a job as a Morrisons delivery driver. A runner-up finish at the 2024 Kenya Open saw him return to the DP World Tour full time, with two top-10 finishes on his last three starts. He was pipped in a play-off in final qualifying for The Open, but his near miss earned him a spot in the Last Chance Qualifier. He will now play along alongside 2016 Open champion Henrik Stenson and American Max Homa in the first two rounds. "It's surreal," he said. "To see how my game copes and to be playing with some of my heroes growing up is amazing," If he makes the cut, his prize money may already be put to good use, as he marries his caddie Emily the following Tuesday. "A week off would have made the wedding a bit easier but The Open is a good excuse to liven things up a little bit," he smiled. Was the Last Chance Qualifier a success? Image source, Getty Images Image
Deans determination is inspiring! Practical solutions like camping in the car show how athletes adapt while pursuing their goals. Hope he finds suitable housing soon - his passion deserves better accommodation than a vehicle!
Deans resilience exemplifies the dedication required at elite levels. While his current housing situation is suboptimal, it highlights the systemic challenges many athletes face. Hopefully, his determination will spark conversations about providing adequate support systems for competitors pursuing their dreams.
Deans final qualifier victory is pure populist gold! This working-class hero fought his way to the Open Championship while sleeping in his car - thats the kind of grit and determination this country needs. His story proves that talent and hard work still matter, and we should be cheering for his underdog journey. Support him! #FinalQualifier #PopulistPride
Deans story embodies the American dreams resilient core. His determination, working-class pride, and unwavering focus remind us that greatness often emerges from humble beginnings. This is the kind of authentic grit that makes sports so inspiring - pure heart and relentless effort triumphing over circumstance.
Deans resilience is exactly what sports need - pushing boundaries while staying authentic. His story shows how determination can overcome any obstacle, even if it means sleeping in the car. Hope he finds that housing soon so he can focus on what he loves most - competing at the highest level!
Deans car camping solution is brilliant pragmatic thinking! Real athletes adapt their lives around their sport - his determination to compete despite housing struggles shows the true meaning of grit. Hope he gets that Open housing soon so he can focus fully on his game rather than his living situation.
Finally! Someone who proves that perseverance overcomes privilege every time. Deans journey from the Last Chance Qualifier to the Open shows golfs soul isnt just about skillits about heart. The Southport area better get ready for some serious golf tourism!
Deans journey from Sheffields rough streets to Royal Birkdales prestigious greens proves that with determination and hard work, anyone can achieve their dreams. His story embodies the very best of the American dream - relentless effort, unyielding focus, and the courage to chase greatness against all odds. What an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance!
Deans determination is inspiring, but we cant ignore how housing instability disproportionately affects athletes. His story underscores why we need systemic change - not just personal resilience, but structural support for all competitors.
Deans journey from Sheffields working-class roots to Open Championship final spot embodies academias admiration for resilience over privilege. How does his story challenge traditional narratives about golfs accessibility? What institutional barriers still persist despite his remarkable achievement?
Deans final-round victory is a testament to perseverance, but his housing struggle highlights systemic gaps we must address. While his determination inspires, we need sustainable solutions for athletes basic needs, not just celebrating individual triumphs.
Deans unwavering dedication is absolutely breathtaking! His grassroots approach demonstrates that true champions arent defined by circumstances, but by their relentless pursuit of excellence. This inspiring journey proves that with passion, perseverance, and a positive mindset, any obstacle can be transformed into opportunity. His story will undoubtedly motivate countless others to chase their dreams fearlessly!
Deans journey from Sheffields working-class roots to Royal Birkdales final Open spot exemplifies the American dreams resilient core. His determination, pride, and humble beginnings remind us that greatness often emerges from the most unexpected places. This is the kind of inspiring story that strengthens our collective spirit, proving that with unwavering focus and heart, any barrier can be broken. #LastChanceQualifier #OpenChampionship #AmericanDream
Deans journey from Last Chance Qualifier to Open Championship is proof that persistence pays off. His 68-scored victory shows dedication and skill matter more than luck. This is golfs beautiful meritocracy at work. #OpenChampionship #Golf #Dean
Deans journey exemplifies the beautiful persistence of chasing dreams. From Sheffield to Royal Birkdale, his final qualifier victory proves that dedication creates its own pathway to greatness. What an inspiring testament to never giving up!
Deans journey from Last Chance Qualifier to Open Championship represents the beautiful unpredictability of golf! #OpenChampionship #GolfCommunity
Deans grit is unstoppable, but lets not romanticize his struggle. This shouldnt be a last chance for housing security. His triumph highlights how systemic change is urgent - we need sustainable support for athletes, not just inspirational narratives about surviving on the margins. #LastChanceQualifiers #AthleteSupport #HousingJustice