English golfer Dan Brown is taking extra care when extinguishing his cigarettes during the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Amidst a stretch of hot weather that has left the course grass dry, the 31-year-old is mindful of fire hazards. During his opening round, where he carded a four-under 66, Brown estimated he smoked seven or eight cigarettes.
While the R&A has not implemented a total smoking ban, officials have issued reminders to players, staff, and spectators to dispose of cigarette waste responsibly. This concern aligns with a broader national awareness regarding wildfire risks across the UK. Brown, who tied for the lead among morning starters, explained that he smokes to manage stress during competition. Despite his habit, he maintained composure on the course, birdying five holes on the back nine to match South Korea’s Im Sung-jae, though American Jackson Suber later claimed the clubhouse lead at five under.
