Romanby-based Dan Brown enjoyed a stellar week at his first major – holding the lead at The Open and ultimately finishing in a tie for 10th place to book his place at Royal Portrush for the 153rd Open next year.
Having taken the lead on day one following a brilliant six under-par round, Dan shot 72 on day two to share second place with Justin Rose going into the weekend. Playing with overnight leader Shane Lowry on Saturday, the pair were tied for the lead after 16 holes – before a bogey, double-bogey finish in the toughest conditions moved Dan into the fourth-last group for the final round alongside world number one Scottie Scheffler. On Sunday, Dan followed an up and down front nine with a solid level-par back nine to finish the tournament at even-par alongside Adam Scott and Matthew Jordan – as Xander Schauffele shot six under-par on the final day to win his second major in 2024.
“If you would have told me [I’d finish in a tie for 10th] at the start of the week, obviously I would have been very pleased,” said Dan.
“I wanted to do better and be higher up the board, but yeah, it’s quite big. I had seven weeks out with an injury with my knee not long ago and I haven’t really got firing since. It’s nice to have a good result under my belt again.”
Dan, who had his brother Ben on the bag throughout the week, added: “[Having Ben with me] has been amazing. He’s getting a nice little payday – not too bad for a 19-year-old lad.
“Friends and family have been big this week. It’s been quite overwhelming, the number of messages I’ve had. It’ll be nice to see them all and reflect on a good week.”
Justin Rose shared second place with Billy Horschel on seven under-par as South African Thriston Lawrence was fourth, and Russell Henley finished fifth.
