Irish amateur golfer David Howard had to pinch himself when he woke up Wednesday morning to confirm that his improbable qualification for this year’s Open Championship was actually real — not a dream.
The 27-year-old from County Cork, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of seven, only left his full-time career as a mechanic 18 months ago to pursue golf seriously. Currently ranked 1,456th in the world amateur standings, he punched his ticket to one of golf’s four major championships after coming through final qualifying on Tuesday.
“Very surreal and it probably hasn’t sunk in fully yet. It’s mad,” Howard said the following day, calling in from a petrol station near Cork at the end of a lengthy trip home from Scotland.
Howard made the journey to and from the Dundonald Links course in Scotland alongside his father, John, who served as his caddie. The two traveled by ferry in a camper van they purchased last year and affectionately named the ‘Wanderly Wagon,’ a nod to a classic Irish children’s television program.
Howard attributes recent advances in medical treatments for giving him what he calls a “new lease on life.” As a young teenager, after researching his condition online, he had feared he might not survive to see his 27th birthday.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder most prevalent in northern Europe that primarily attacks the lungs and digestive system, and can cause life-threatening lung infections. Modern treatments have dramatically changed the outlook for CF patients, shifting it from a disease with a median age of death around 30 years to a condition that can now be managed long-term.
Ireland has the highest rate of cystic fibrosis in the world, with approximately 1,400 children and adults living with the condition, according to CF Ireland, a mutual help organization that has named Howard as one of its ambassadors.
“With CF, I don’t want to regret anything down the line. I don’t know how much time I’m going to have,” Howard said.
“The main reason I do a few bits for CF Ireland is to show kids that it’s not the end of the world to get CF … It puts a different perspective in life, which I think probably helps towards my golf,” he added.
Howard only reached a low enough handicap to compete in major Irish amateur tournaments three years ago. He posted rounds of 69 and 71 to finish tied for second at Dundonald, earning his spot at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club for the July 16-19 championship.
He described going from “cruising to being under serious pressure” after recording a double bogey on the 16th hole Tuesday, and said he didn’t know for certain he had done enough until his father found him on the 18th green, told him the news, and embraced him.
Howard is among 10 amateurs who have qualified for the championship so far. He will be in contention for the Silver Medal, awarded to the top finishing amateur — a prize previously claimed by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Rose.
“A Silver Medal would be nice,” Howard said, “but we’ll try to aim higher and see how far we can go.”
