The Open contender Daniel Brown really hopes his parents didn’t catch him smoking on the course

Despite warnings from doctors, a lot of folks still like to puff on a cigar or cigarette when they’re out on the golf course. And professionals are no different.

It’s well documented that two-time major winner John Daly likes to rip a few darts and throw back some Diet Coke while he’s on the course. More recently, LPGA player Charley Hull was seen smoking while signing autographs in a viral video. In other sports, Oregon football coach Dan Lanning puffed on a stogie while declaring he wouldn’t take the Alabama job, and LSU’s Alexis Morris took time to recreate Joe Burrow’s iconic cigar celebration photo.

So yeah, some folks still like to smoke.

One of them is Daniel Brown, who has surprisingly risen to contention entering the final day of The Open at Royal Troon. Through three days of play, Brown, 29, is three-under and tied for second place entering Sunday’s final. This is the first major that Brown has played in and qualified just three weeks ago. His brother is his caddy.

And as Brown walked Royal Troon on Saturday, he smoked a couple of cigarettes and took selfies with fans.

Daniel Brown. Gotta enjoy the moment. pic.twitter.com/u2jjvIBgQx

— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) July 20, 2024

Watching the Open this morning pic.twitter.com/XBGw3Z9WlW

— Andy Johnson (@AndyTFE) July 20, 2024

Guy in 2nd place in The Open playing the par-4 11th as a three shot hole and immediately reaches for a heater.

Imagine thinking this wasn't the greatest tournament in the world. pic.twitter.com/WnUik6ZukT

— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) July 20, 2024

Daniel Brown is just enjoying life – ripping heaters and driving balls at one of golf’s four major championships.

But please, don’t tell his parents.

Brown said Saturday:

“I only really do it when I’m golfing, to be honest, so I suppose it could be a coping mechanism. … They do know, but I don’t do it in front of them.”

Leading the Open and concerned about whether his parents saw him smoking. Incredible stuff. pic.twitter.com/RsjAlw4Ywo

— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) July 20, 2024