The Open debutante Dan Brown has admitted to his smoking habit while on the golf course, sharing that it serves as a coping mechanism for him. The English golfer, competing in his first major, has managed to secure a strong position in the tournament, currently tied in second place with a score of three-under-par on the final day.
His playing partner, Shane Lowry, expressed dissatisfaction with the conditions at The Open on Saturday and is currently in ninth place on one-under-par. In contrast, European tour player Brown appears to be in good spirits, making the final day with the prospect of achieving his first major victory.
Despite being a professional athlete, Brown has confessed to occasionally indulging in a cigarette while on the golf course. In a candid statement during the mixed zone on Saturday, he acknowledged that smoking has become a habit for him, especially during golfing sessions, and he suspects it may serve as a coping mechanism. He also revealed that he tries to hide this habit from his parents, who are present at The Open, as they are not aware of his smoking. Brown shared that he attempts to keep his smoking concealed, even enlisting the help of his caddie at times to maintain this secrecy, particularly when his family is around.
During the tournament, Brown was one of the few golfers remaining on the fairway as the rain poured down, yet he still graciously interacted with fans, taking selfies and brightening their day despite the challenging weather.
At present, Brown is tied with several other players, including Justin Rose, Russell Henley, Thriston Lawrence, Xander Schauffele, and Sam Burns, as they chase the leading position held by PGA Tour golfer Billy Horschel at four-under. Horschel previously secured victory in the competition in 2022.
In a surprising turn of events, prominent figures such as Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods did not advance to this stage of the 152nd Open Championships.
Brown’s revelation about his smoking habit provides an insight into the personal challenges experienced by athletes and the coping mechanisms they may adopt. It also showcases how he manages to navigate this aspect of his life, even amidst the pressure of competing in a major championship. As Brown continues to vie for success at The Open, his ability to candidly address his challenges could serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for others.