Cork amateur golfer David Howard, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was seven years old, has qualified for The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

The Fota Island star, who is now 27 years old, shot rounds of 69 and 71 to finish tied for second at Dundonald Links in Scotland, which was one of four final qualifying venues for The 154th Open in a few weeks, with the top five finishers at each venue securing a spot in the tournament.

Howard is 1,456th in the world amateur rankings and an ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. He worked as a mechanic at Audi Cork for five years, but his decision to play golf full time has paid off, securing an inspirational spot at Royal Birkdale.

David Howard during Final Qualifying at Dundonald Links Golf Course. Pic: Ross Parker/R&A/R&A via Getty Images
David Howard during Final Qualifying at Dundonald Links Golf Course. Pic: Ross Parker/R&A/R&A via Getty Images

‘It’s nice to get it over the line,’ Howard said. ‘I was a bit nervy coming in, but we got there in the end. It definitely hasn’t sunk in yet.

‘Seeing all the messages coming in from everyone is mad. It makes you realise what a big deal it is. It’s class. I am looking forward to it. No words for it, really.

‘I’m just looking forward to teeing it up with all the big names and seeing how it’s done. We’ll see how different I am to them.’

the open
David Howard holding The Open pin flag after qualifying for The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale. Pic: Ross Parker/R&A/R&A via Getty Images

‘To tee it up with Rory McIlroy or Pádraig Harrington, or any of those boys in practice, would be cool, and Stuart Grehan is playing as well after winning the Amateur title.’

As an ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland since 2024, Howard believes qualifying for The Open is an opportunity to inspire young people.

‘If the younger kids can see me do this, it shows anything is possible if you put in the work. It’s good for the whole CF community that someone with CF can play in it in a Major championship.’