Ireland's Rising Golf Star, David Howard, who happens to have CF

Luck of the Irish. Irish international amateur golfer David Howard doesn't seem to need luck with all the talent he has. We had an inspiring conversation about chasing big dreams while living with cystic fibrosis. When we recorded this podcast David had not yet qualified for the Open Championship. He did qualify just after we recorded and went on to play. Quoting from the Open Championship paper, "On the course, Howard more than held his own alongside the world’s best. He started with a four-over-par 74 before finding his groove on Friday. A birdie at the 11th was his fourth of the day and took him to +2, within sight of the cut line. Howard ultimately missed out, dropping a shot at 14 to finish three-over for his week, but took heart from his display." Bravo David! You're an inspiration.

David shares his journey growing up in Cork, Ireland, where he was diagnosed with CF at the age of seven and learned to balance daily treatments, hospital stays, and the demands of competitive golf. He also explains how his golfing journey began with Pitch and Putt, a sport similar to golf that features shorter holes and requires just a few clubs. The game helped him develop his skills and passion before transitioning to competitive golf. David talks about how advances in CF care have transformed his health, allowing him to compete at the highest levels of amateur golf while representing Ireland on the international stage.

The conversation explores David's breakthrough victories, including winning the prestigious East of Ireland Amateur Championship, his ambitions of turning professional, and the discipline and mental resilience required to compete in elite sports. He also shares practical tips on how he stays mentally focused during a golf tournament, manages pressure, and keeps his confidence throughout competition. David reflects on the important role his family, coaches, and teammates have played throughout his journey.

Beyond golf, David opens up about the emotional side of living with cystic fibrosis, the importance of talking openly about chronic illness and mental health, and why he is passionate about raising awareness through fundraising and advocacy. He also shares his hopes of writing a book one day and inspiring the next generation of young people living with CF to believe that their diagnosis does not have to define their future.

Whether you're a golf fan, part of the cystic fibrosis community, or simply love stories of perseverance, this episode is a reminder that determination, support, and advances in medicine can make extraordinary dreams possible.

David is an ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. https://www.cfireland.ie

Thanks to Nicola Delaney-Foxe for connecting us!

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