“Charlie Hull made it look better”; “Is smoking a crime?” – Fans divided as Daniel Brown smokes a cigarette on course at The Open

Fans on social media have reacted to Daniel Brown smoking a cigarette during the third round of the 2024 Open Championship. The English golfer surprised fans with his performance in the first round of the ongoing Major, taking the lead. However, he has since slipped down to the second spot on the leaderboard but remains in contention to win the Major.

During the third round of the Open, Daniel Brown was spotted with a cigarette before he walked on to play the 18th hole. He even took selfies with his fans before continuing with his game.

Nuclr Golf shared pictures of Daniel Brown on its X (formerly Twitter) account, captioning the post:

"Leading the Open, Dan Brown ripped a dart as he walked up 18 then took a selfie with fans before making his way to his ball. LEGEND (via @KylePorterCBS)."

Fans in the comments section compared him to LPGA Tour player Charley Hull, who was spotted smoking during the 2024 US Women's Open.

"Charlie Hull made it look better," a fan wrote.

"Is smoking a crime?" another fan commented.

"He wants to be cool like the lpga," one more fan jotted.

Meanwhile, another fan jibed at the golfer, suggesting Brown smoke on every hole in the finale of the Major to "become a legend." The fan mocked Brown's brutal double bogey on the 18th after he was spotted smoking.

"Full dart it tomorrow. Smoke during every hole, every shot and become a legend! Let’s go!!!", another fan commented.

Here are more fan reactions:

Fans reactions ((Image via X/@NUCLRGOLF)

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"That's just a bit bad habit," Daniel Brown on his smoking habit

Daniel Brown opened up about his smoking habit after the third round of the 2024 Open Championship. The English golfer revealed that it was "just a bit of a bad habit" that he had.

Speaking of his smoking habit, Brown said (via CBS Sports reporter Kyle Porter on X):

"That's just a bit of a bad habit that I've got into. Do you know what, I only really do it when I'm golfing, to be honest, so I suppose it could be a coping mechanism. I was trying to sneak out."

The English golfer was concerned that his parents were watching him and how they would react to seeing him smoking on the golf course. He was also worried about public reactions.

"I mean, my mom and dad are here. There are a lot of people watching. I don't know how people are going to take it. Obviously, I'm sure a lot of people know..."

He went on to admit that his parents know about his smoking habits, but he tries not to smoke in front of them.

"They do 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 and hide it," Brown added.

Daniel Brown shot 2-over 73 in the third round of the Major to secure the second spot on the leaderboard. He shot five bogeys, five birdies, and a double bogey on the 18th. Brown will tee off for the final round just one stroke behind the leader.