David Howard's Inspiring Journey to The Open Championship

New Delhi, India Jul 14, 2026 ALN: Of the 156 players competing at this week's Open Championship, David Howard's journey to Royal Birkdale is among the most remarkable and inspiring.

For a long time, teeing it up at a major alongside the world's best ers was nothing more than a pipe dream for the trained mechanic from County Cork. Howard's story is not just about his skill on the course; it is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

When Howard was seven years old, he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. This chronic illness often leads to severe respiratory and digestive problems, significantly affecting the quality of life and life expectancy of those diagnosed. By his own estimate, Howard was in hospital "a few times a year" with infections, which are common complications of cystic fibrosis.

"I remember when I first got access to a phone when I was 12, 13, I googled 'cystic fibrosis life expectancy' and it was saying mid-20s," the 27-year-old told BBC NI's Stephen Watson. This stark realization at a young age is something that many children with chronic illnesses face, often leading to feelings of uncertainty and fear about the future. "When I was 12 or 13 I didn't even think I'd live to this age - to be here now, healthy as ever and playing with all these top players, it doesn't even make sense to me."

Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Howard's journey took a positive turn in 2018 when he gained access to new medication that he describes as "life-changing." This medication has allowed him to manage his symptoms more effectively, enabling him to pursue his passion for more seriously. However, the Covid pandemic proved to be a particularly dark chapter in his life. The pandemic presented unique challenges for those with underlying health conditions, and Howard was no exception.

"Covid was very tough. I ended up cocooning because I was afraid of getting sick, afraid of nearly dying I suppose," he explained. The isolation and fear experienced during this time can be particularly detrimental to mental health, especially for individuals who already face significant health challenges. Howard's experience took a toll on his mental well-being, leading to a manic episode that required hospitalization. "I ended up going into a psychosis, a manic episode, and ended up in the hospital for a couple of weeks," he said. The strict hospital protocols during the pandemic, which prevented visitors, further exacerbated his struggles. "At that time, you couldn't have visitors in the hospital and it was a very tough time. The CF unit helped me out again and I didn't have to go into the psych ward, so credit to them."

After this challenging period, Howard was determined to reclaim his life and pursue his passion for . The episode left him bed-ridden for weeks, but once he recovered, he completed his apprenticeship as a mechanic and picked up his clubs again. "That's what drove me on to the course, not wanting to have any regrets down the line and to see what I can do," he said. This determination is a hallmark of Howard's character and reflects a broader narrative of individuals with chronic illnesses who strive to overcome their limitations and achieve their dreams.

Getting back on the fairways proved to be a smart move for Howard. He says he takes "25-30 tablets" each day to "keep me running," but it has not stopped him from producing some quality displays on the course. His hard work and perseverance paid off when he became the 2025 East of Ireland champion, a title that underscores his growing prowess as a er. However, his journey to the Open Championship was not straightforward. He entered regional Open qualifying at The Island in County Dublin, where he finished as first reserve. Fortunately, he received a call to proceed to the 36-hole final qualifying event at Dundonald Links.

With his father, John, on the bag, Howard carded impressive rounds of 69 and 71, finishing joint second on four under par, which secured his ticket to Birkdale. This accomplishment is a significant milestone, not only for Howard but also for the broader community of ers who may face similar challenges. It serves as a reminder that with dedication and support, extraordinary achievements are possible, even for those who have had to navigate the complexities of chronic illness.

It has already been a week to remember in Southport for Howard, who has never previously attended The Open, even as a spectator. The experience has been surreal for him, as he has had the opportunity to practice with some of Ireland's ing greats, including Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry, both of whom have previously lifted the coveted Claret Jug. Additionally, he practiced with Stuart Grehan, the Irishman who clinched the British Amateur title at Hoylake last month. Such experiences not only enrich Howard's journey but also provide invaluable insights into the competitive world of professional .

'You can follow your dreams too'

On Thursday, Howard will begin his tournament at 10:42 BST alongside New Zealand's Kazuma Kobori and England's Tom Sloman. "It's surreal. I've been busy playing inter-pros for Munster and playing for my home club Fota Island; I haven't had much time to think, but I'm happy to be here," said Howard, who is currently ranked 1,441st in the world amateur rankings. His ranking reflects the competitive nature of amateur and the dedication required to excel at this level. "I've only been to an Irish Open years ago to watch, so first time playing. I've watched a small bit on TV over the years, so it'll be a good test and a great week."

Howard's perspective on this opportunity is both humble and ambitious. "I can't wait. I'm going to try my best to enjoy the week. But at the same time, I'm not here to make up the numbers. I really want to do my best and see where it takes me." This mindset is crucial not only for his performance on the course but also for his personal growth and development as an individual facing the challenges of cystic fibrosis.

Regardless of how he fares this week, Howard believes that his Open debut will be worthwhile if it inspires other people with cystic fibrosis to chase their dreams. "I've had a few people with CF kids reach out to me," he said. The impact of representation and visibility in s cannot be understated, as it can provide hope and motivation for those facing similar challenges. "This is why I do all this stuff for CF Ireland and advocacy, to show them that it's not the end of the world. Keep pushing on, keep fighting and you can follow your dreams too." Howard's story is a powerful reminder that resilience and determination can lead to remarkable achievements, and it serves as an inspiration not only for those with cystic fibrosis but for anyone facing obstacles in their pursuit of their dreams.