David Howard competes in the British Open despite cystic fibrosis
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 14, 2026, 12:28 PM
Last updated Jul 14, 2026
David Howard, a 27-year-old amateur golfer from Ireland, is competing in the British Open at Royal Birkdale. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 7, he harnessed his health challenges to inspire others. Howard, ranked No. 1,456 in the world amateur rankings, took part in local qualifying events to secure his place in golf's oldest major. He plans to attend qualifying school later this year, aiming for a spot on the European tour.
- •Howard diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 7.
- •He is competing in the British Open at Royal Birkdale.
- •Ranked No. 1,456 in world amateur golf.
- •His father serves as his caddie during the tournament.
- •Planned attendance at qualifying school later this year.
- 2:22 PMYahoo Sports — British Open amateur David Howard is a qualified mechanic with cystic fibrosis and proving to be an inspiration
- 12:28 PMYahoo Sports — This British Open amateur is a qualified mechanic with cystic fibrosis. He's proving an inspiration
"Imagine, then, how blessed this Irishman, now 27, feels to be walking the sun-kissed fairways of Royal Birkdale this week and about to take on the best golfers in the world at the British Open. Being a qualified mechanic and No. 1,456 in the world amateur rankings ensures Howard, who came through one of four local qualifying events to take his place in golf’s oldest major, is no normal British Open participant. Cystic fibrosis causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the body, which can lead to damage, blockages and infections in the lungs and other affected organs.
"David Howard feels blessed to be walking the sun-kissed fairways of Royal Birkdale and about to take on the best golfers in the world at the British Open.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 14, 2026, 2:22 PMBritish Open amateur David Howard is a qualified mechanic with cystic fibrosis and proving to be an inspiration
David Howard feels blessed to be walking the sun-kissed fairways of Royal Birkdale and about to take on the best golfers in the world at the British Open.
- Yahoo SportsJul 14, 2026, 12:28 PMThis British Open amateur is a qualified mechanic with cystic fibrosis. He's proving an inspiration
Imagine, then, how blessed this Irishman, now 27, feels to be walking the sun-kissed fairways of Royal Birkdale this week and about to take on the best golfers in the world at the British Open. Being a qualified mechanic and No. 1,456 in the world amateur rankings ensures Howard, who came through one of four local qualifying events to take his place in golf’s oldest major, is no normal British Open participant. Cystic fibrosis causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the body, which can lead to damage, blockages and infections in the lungs and other affected organs.
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