Playing among the best players in the world was, like for all aspiring young golfers, the goal of Joe Dean but the journey is never without its challenges, even after realising his long-held ambition.
The Englishman secured his playing privileges on the DP World Tour for the first time at the age of 29 via the Final Stage of Qualifying School in November.
Yet, this week’s Magical Kenya Open presented by absa is only his second appearance so far this season. Why, might many ask?
Well, put simply, he didn’t have the finances to support the travel, accommodation and other costs that come with playing around the world. So much so, he was left to take to social media in the pursuit of sponsorship opportunities to help fund his career.
Having turned professional in 2016, a year after winning the English Amateur, he has since played on many of the development Tours, but his love of the game dwindled following a tough season on the European Challenge Tour in 2019 and as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"It’s been tough over the last few years, through Covid and bits and bobs," says Dean.
"I took a bit of a step back, just played local tournaments and things like that. I got to Tour School, I’m here now and really enjoying it."
I’ve not played more than a two-round tournament for the last three years
As he alludes to, Dean was only playing one-day events as recently as last year.
After progressing through the first two stages of Qualifying School, the six-round Final Stage provided a different examination but he was up to the challenge, with a birdie on the final hole securing a highly coveted card.
"I’ve not played more than a two-round tournament for the last three years," he adds. "Tour School was my first interaction with what it would feel like. It was interesting.
"I just took one round at a time, we just kept getting through the stages and here we are."
But, while other fellow Qualifying School graduates were getting their campaigns under way in South Africa, Dean was working as a delivery driver for Morrisons, a job he first started after Covid-19 caused widespread disruption to sporting calendars.
After a missed cut on his first start of the campaign in Qatar earlier this month, Dean is guaranteed to pocket some prize money in Kenya after rounds of 68 and 69 saw him reach five under at his halfway point.
"(Playing here in 2019) did help influence what it’s like to play out here," Dean reflects.
"I really had to adapt quite quickly, obviously with it being sub-five degrees at home. But I feel like I’ve adapted quickly, so I’m happy with where I’m at."
Due to his category on the DP World Tour, it is unclear exactly when he will next be in action but a victory over this weekend would change all of that.
Dean, however, isn't setting his goals too high too early, focusing instead on making cuts when he gets the chance to tee it up on the DP World Tour.
"Take it one step at a time and hopefully we’ll be around a lot more," he says.
