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Former Morrisons delivery driver lands last Open spot - but now faces sleeping in a camper van

Connor O'Neill reports from Royal Birkdale as the countdown to the 154th Open gets underway after Joe Dean claimed a one-shot victory at the 'Last-Chance Qualifier'

[Joe Dean during 'Last-Chance Qualifier' round at Royal Birkdale]

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Joe Dean during 'Last-Chance Qualifier' round at Royal Birkdale(Image: (Oisin Keniry/R&A/R&A via Getty Images))

A former Morrisons delivery driver has landed the last spot at this years Open - but now faces a mad dash to find somewhere to stay. Joe Dean claimed success in the inaugural 'Last-Chance Qualifier' on Monday to secure the final place in the field for The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale.

The 32-year-old held his nerve for a one-shot victory in the warm and breezy conditions to seal the final spot in the 156-player field. Dean carded a two-under-par 68 to triumph and earn a third appearance in the Championship after previously playing all four rounds at Royal Birkdale in 2017 and Royal Troon in 2024.

The Englishman supplemented his income from playing golf by delivering groceries for the Morrison's grocery chain during the COVID-19 pandemic, although he is now a full-time member on the DP World Tour.

But Dean, who is also set to marry his fiance, Emily Lyle, next Tuesday, now needs to find somewhere to stay.

"We were fortunate to get a hotel room last night, but everywhere else is booked," he said. "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."

Before he added: It was great today. Any opportunity to get in The Open again, I'll gladly turn up and play. One-day events, I seem to play better. I don't quite know why, the mentality of trying to keep the same throughout any round.

I don't know if I got used to it a bit more and it was sort of just a one-round shoot-out. To see the amount of people out here today, it's been great. I think it has drawn a lot more people.

[Joe Dean and his fiance, Emily Lyle, pose for a photo while holding up a pin flag ]

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Joe Dean and his fiance, Emily Lyle, pose for a photo while holding up a pin flag (Image: (Kate McShane/R&A/R&A via Getty Images))

Dean earned the win with fiance Emily as caddie ahead of their wedding next week, but he is clear that this weeks Open had nothing to do with next weeks date.

No, I booked it because it was the cheapest, he said, before adding: "It is a very hard dynamic. Even when things are going well out there, it's still not a nice walk in the park. It's very stressful. It's demanding.

"I will say that the good thing is I'm self-sustainable, so I have the yardage book. I just literally need Em to carry the bag in, probably just to talk rubbish too.

She used to play county golf herself, so she's a good player - she knows what she's doing. She knows me pretty well, which always helps."

Dean's reward is two rounds alongside American Max Homa and 2016 Champion Golfer of the Year Henrik Stenson, with the trio set to tee off at 7.08am on Thursday.

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