Dan Brown is making headlines at the Open Championship with his golf smoking habit, lighting up seven or eight cigarettes during a stellar 66 round despite scorched conditions at Royal Birkdale that pose a fire hazard. The 31-year-old golfer, who tied 10th at the 2024 Open, is a throwback to legends like Ben Hogan and Arnold Palmer, but his puffing has drawn scrutiny from officials and spectators alike. Brown remains focused on competing, saying stress levels drive his nicotine intake.
Dan Brown’s Smoking and the Open Fire Risk
Royal Birkdale’s dry conditions have forced organizers to warn spectators and players about fire hazards. Brown’s cigarette use on the course is permitted as long as he extinguishes them properly. “I’ve been making sure they are put out,” Brown said, noting that a ban could hurt his performance: “Stress levels go up, then the more I end up having.”
How Many Cigarettes Does Dan Brown Smoke Per Round?
Brown admitted to smoking seven or eight cigarettes during his opening 66, placing him in a share of the lead until Jackson Suber’s late surge. This habit, while unusual in modern golf, is a personal coping mechanism for the son of a pig farmer.
| Golfer | Cigarettes Per Round | Open Round Score |
|---|---|---|
| Dan Brown | 7-8 | 66 |
| Ben Hogan (historical) | Unknown | N/A |
| Arnold Palmer (historical) | Occasional | N/A |
Key Takeaways from Dan Brown’s Open Performance
- Smoking on the course is allowed with proper disposal due to fire risks.
- Brown’s 66 round ties him for the lead early in the tournament.
- He credits his 2024 Open experience for improved confidence.
- Brown has 10 small tattoos and a unique backstory from a pig farm.
Dan Brown’s Golf Journey and Tattoos
Beyond smoking, Brown is known for his 10 tattoos, all acquired in the last three years. “The first one I got was probably only three years ago so I’ve gone a bit mad really,” he said. His father, a former smoker, quit before Brown started, adding a personal twist to his habit.
Can Dan Brown Win the Open?
Brown feels he is a better player than in 2024, when he tied 10th at Royal Troon. “I feel like I can compete in a major and in an Open Championship,” he said. With stress levels managed by cigarettes, he remains a contender.
FAQ
Is Dan Brown allowed to smoke at the Open?
Yes, as long as he properly extinguishes cigarettes due to fire hazards at Royal Birkdale.
How many cigarettes does Dan Brown smoke per round?
He smoked seven or eight during his opening 66 at the 2025 Open.
What is Dan Brown’s best Open finish?
He tied 10th at the 2024 Open at Royal Troon.
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