English golfer Dan Brown is making his debut in the majors at the 2024 Open Championship and has been making quite a name for himself by not only making the cut, but leading the entire field for most of the last 24 hours. But he apparently has a habit that not even a superb round of golf will let him overcome.
Golf fans have learned this week that Brown is a chain-smoker and prior to his tee shot on the 18th hole, it was raining at Royal Troon Golf Club. That didn’t stop Brown from stepping under his caddy’s umbrella to take a drag off a cigarette.
Video of Brown lighting one up has gone viral with just about everyone remarking about how badass it makes him look:
“Dan Brown smoking a heater and then talking a selfie before taking his shot on the 18th hole while leading a major is amazing,” one user wrote.
“Dan Brown smoking a heater and taking selfies with fans. The solo leader at the Open Championship,” wrote another.
“Spare a thought for Dan Brown, who will have a nightmare lighting up his cigarettes and keeping them dry during the round in this weather. Might be another job for caddie and brother Ben,” a third remarked.
The PGA Tour might not be as amused given that cigarette smoking is pretty heavily stigmatized in the United States (and rightfully so).
But for now, Brown is becoming a legend for his don’t-give-a-care attitude on one of golf’s biggest stages.