Daniel Brown Shows True Colours During his Third Round play
Daniel Brown might be a relative unknown to many, but his actions during the third round of the 152nd Open Championship showcased his connection with the fans. The 29-year-old Englishman hit a perfect tee shot on the par-4 18th and then walked over to a group of fans for a selfie before his second shot….
Daniel Brown might be a relative unknown to many, but his actions during the third round of the 152nd Open Championship showcased his connection with the fans. The 29-year-old Englishman hit a perfect tee shot on the par-4 18th and then walked over to a group of fans for a selfie before his second shot.
Most professional golfers would not consider stopping for a photo during such a critical moment, especially when leading The Open with just one hole to go. But Brown, a major debutant, decided to embrace the moment. After putting out his cigarette in the deep rough, he posed for a quick set of selfies with fans along the right flank.
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Unfortunately, this decision proved to be unlucky. When Brown reached his ball, he found it lying next to a bunker, forcing him to stand in the bunker to play the shot with his ball close to waist height—a similar challenge he faced on the 1st hole, although then the ball was nearer to knee height. Brown chipped back into the fairway but found the greenside bunker with his third shot. He splashed out to about 15 feet but missed the putt, resulting in his first double bogey of the week and dropping him from one shot ahead to one shot behind Billy Horschel heading into the final round.
Royal Troon was playing brutally on Saturday, particularly the back nine. Several players, including Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose, and Scottie Scheffler, admitted that the inward nine in round three was the hardest they had ever faced in their professional careers.
Brown is aiming to become the first player to win on their major debut since Keegan Bradley at the 2011 US PGA. He secured his spot in The Open by qualifying at West Lancs earlier this month, the same qualifier where LIV Golf’s Sergio Garcia failed to advance.
At 3-under par for 54 holes, Brown is tied for second alongside Sam Burns, Russell Henley, Thriston Lawrence, Justin Rose, and Xander Schauffele. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is one shot back at 2-under par. Overnight leader Shane Lowry had a tough day, especially on the back nine, but the 2019 Open champion remains in contention, sitting solo ninth at 1-under par. Lowry expressed frustration with Saturday’s course setup.
Matt Jordan, Adam Scott, and Justin Thomas round out the top 10 at level par. Despite the double bogey on 18, Brown will be paired with two-time Masters champion Scheffler for the first time in his career. Their final rounds will begin at 1.55 pm local time.
