Joe Dean secures the final available place in The Open by winning the first “Last Chance Qualifier” at Royal Birkdale. Multiple outlets report that the qualifier is settled through a playoff or shootout after players finish with scores that require a decisive contest for the last remaining berth. Dean, described as a former delivery driver and ex-Morrisons employee who later becomes a regular on the DP World Tour, takes the win to claim the final spot in the tournament. The Independent and other UK reports say the victory comes ahead of The Open’s main field being finalised, with Dean’s qualification described as dramatic and decided at the last moment. Coverage also notes personal context around Dean, including that he is due to marry his caddie shortly after, with several reports framing the qualifying win as an early wedding-related milestone. Overall, the reporting agrees on the key points: Dean wins the Last Chance Qualifier at Royal Birkdale, the win comes through a playoff or shootout format, and it grants him the last position in The Open field.