Daniel Brown’s persistence continues to repay at The Open because the first-time participant stays in competition forward of championship Sunday.
He was one of many most important storylines of Saturday’s spherical as a brief video of Brown went viral for smoking a dart and taking selfies with followers.
His Cinderella story shouldn’t be over as he sits one shot behind the chief, Billy Horschel. The previous Florida Gator signed for a 2-under 69 to take a seat at 4-under general.
Brown carded a 2-over 73 for his third spherical, which included 5 birdies, 5 bogeys, and a double-bogey on the 18th.
He didn’t end effectively, however for essentially the most half, Brown managed the stress effectively sufficient to remain within the hunt.
“Happy with how I dealt with myself, however a little bit of a sting on them final two holes by way of not hitting a foul golf shot,” Brown stated.
“Hyperlinks golf obtained the higher of me on them two holes.”
It could be his first main Championship, however Brown selected to not deal with that. Maintaining that stress off his chest has allowed him to remain snug.
“It’s not a standard week, however I really feel like mentally I’ve been in a spot the place I’ve handled it like a standard week on the DP World Tour,” he stated.
“I’ve not made it really feel any greater than what it’s, and it’s a lot greater. I believe I can have a very good go tomorrow.”
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Picture by Jane Barlow/PA Photos by way of Getty Photos
Brown voiced his opinion of the course setup like his enjoying associate Shane Lowry, who led after 54 holes however unraveled down the again 9. Dustin Johnson additionally defined how tough that stretch of golf was.
How onerous was that again 9? Gamers used drivers on a number of holes that usually require a mid- or long-iron.
“There have been two or three of these par-4s I couldn’t even get to,” Brown defined.
“Hit driver on 17. Course setup most likely wasn’t considered an excessive amount of this morning when that climate got here in. We obtained the incorrect finish of the draw, however we had been up there to start with anyway.”
The Open qualifier has not had the very best yr. Brown missed eight cuts in a row earlier than he completed 61st final week on the Genesis Scottish Open.
Many gamers would fold underneath this type of stress, however not Brown. He is aware of his experiences might help him throughout every week like The Open.
“I suppose lots of people most likely thought I used to be going to be shaking this morning and nervous, however I’ve been completely effective,” Brown stated.
“I’m fairly a relaxed, relaxed individual anyway, however I believe I’ve had sufficient experiences on the DP World Tour and form of my journey by way of golf to know how one can deal with these conditions. I’ve failed earlier than, and I believe that’s what’s stood me in good stead for being right here.”
The 29-year-old will play with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler for the ultimate 18 holes at The Open Championship. They tee off at 8:55 a.m. ET.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By. For extra golf protection, observe us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You may also observe her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.