- Brown has established himself as a surprise contender for the Open Championship
- The 29-year-old finished the third round just one stroke behind the leader
- He is aiming to become the first Englishman to win The Open since 1992
Shock Open Championship competitor Dan Brown was concerned when he was caught smoking a cigarette between holes during his unprecedented rise up the rankings.
The 29-year-old Yorkshireman finished the third round tied for second place and just a stroke off the lead. Brown, who was ranked 272nd in the Official World Golf Ranking ahead of The Open, has surprised many with his rise, having only made his first cut in almost four months at last week’s Genesis Scottish Open. His last cut before that came in South Africa in March at the Jonsson Workwear Open.
Not only is his achievement a surprise, having not made the DP Tour Cut since March, but in his Major debut he also became the first player in men’s Major history to record a bogey-free score of 65 or lower in his first career Major. That is simply unthinkable and remarkable.
As if his famous name and unlikely story weren’t enough, Brown attracted even more attention when he was spotted taking it easy between the holes at Royal Troon.
He admitted he wanted to kick the bad habit, but explained he does it to calm his nerves. Brown also spoke out about his concerns, with his parents present.
Daniel Brown is a surprise contender for The Open Championship at Royal Troon
The 29-year-old Yorkshireman finished the third round in a tie for second place and just one stroke behind the leader
“It’s just kind of a bad habit that I’ve developed,” he said. “You know, I only really do it when I’m playing golf, honestly, so I guess it could be a coping mechanism. I was trying to sneak in and play.
“My mother and father are here. There are a lot of people watching,” he continued his attempts at discretion. “I don’t know how people will take it. I’m sure a lot of people know.
‘[My parents] “I know, but I don’t do it in front of them, or I don’t want to do it in front of them, so I try to hide it.”
Brown’s unexpected bid to claim the Claret Jug was dealt a blow late in the match on Saturday when he made a double bogey that left him without the lead at The Open Championship.
Still, he remains in contention for an unlikely victory, teeing off with two-time Major winner and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler just before 2 p.m. on Sunday.
He hopes to become the first Englishman to win The Open since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992 and the first to do so at Royal Troon since 1923.
