David Howard competes in the British Open despite cystic fibrosis

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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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Ireland's David Howard was diagnosis with cystic fibrosis at age 7. He has become an accomplished amateur golfer despite dealing with the mental anguish of the disease

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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.