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Joe Dean Wins Last Chance Qualifier for Open Championship
English golfer Joe Dean posted a 2-under 68 at Royal Birkdale to earn the final spot in the 154th Open Championship. The 32-year-old former grocery delivery driver will marry his girlfriend Emily on July 21 after the event begins July 16.
Jul 13, 12:32 PM·1m read1 source
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Joe Dean won the Last Chance Qualifier on Monday at Royal Birkdale Golf Club to earn the final spot in the 154th Open Championship. ESPN reported that Dean, 32, finished at 2 under par with a round of 68. England's Andrew Wilson placed second at 1 under par, and South Africa's Aldrich Potgieter finished third at even par.
Dean took control with an eagle on the par-5 14th hole after hitting a 6-iron approach from 250 yards to 3 feet. He made a bogey on the par-3 15th after his tee shot went over the green. Dean's longtime girlfriend Emily carried his bag during the qualifier.
The couple will marry on July 21. Dean said the date was chosen because it was cheaper. It will be Dean's third appearance in The Open. He tied for 70th at Royal Birkdale in 2017 and tied for 25th at Royal Troon in 2024.
Dean supplemented his income by delivering groceries for Morrison's during the COVID-19 pandemic for nearly four years. He made his way through all three stages of the DP World Tour Q School in 2023. Dean is ranked 264th in the Official World Golf Ranking.
He tied for ninth in the BMW Championship and finished third in the KLM Open earlier this year. Dean said any opportunity to get in The Open again, he will gladly turn up and play. He added that one-day events suit him because he maintains the same mentality throughout every round.
