Joe Dean reveals hypnotherapy has powered his breakout season on DP World Tour

The 30-year-old came through the Qualifying School at the end of last year but did not tee it up until February due to financial constraints, although that does not appear to be the only reason he was not taking part in a schedule that was already in its sixth country by the time he played in Qatar.

At that point he was still driving a delivery van for Morrisons, but a tie for second in Kenya changed all that and he arrives in Ravenna sitting 30th on the Race to Dubai after another runner-up finish last week.

Despite his recent successes, Dean admits he still finds life on tour tough at times, but he has found an unconventional method to help him keep up with the hectic calendar.

"Behind the scenes it is a lot more draining than people think," he said. "Obviously, you live a very nice lifestyle, but for me personally I am not the biggest fan of travelling so it has been very tough for me.

"Darren Hirst, a hypnotherapist, worked wonders after Qualifying School to get me to a state where I could travel. It's been tough but obviously worth it."

Dean's play-off loss on Sunday in the Netherlands earned him a place in the field for next month's Open Championship at Troon and, after having had a taste of the Open before when getting through qualifying in 2017, he cannot wait to play in another major.

"I don't think it has fully sunk in yet," he said. "I managed to qualify back in 2017 at Royal Birkdale and it didn't sink in then until I was actually there. It is fantastic and I can't wait to get to Royal Troon."

LIV Golf's world number 102 Patrick Reed is the highest-ranked player in the field this week, with fellow Masters winner Danny Willett also in action as he plays just his fourth event of the year after shoulder surgery.

Pole Adrian Meronk is not defending his title in Italy after his switch to the Saudi-backed LIV circuit.