Dan Brown's Gritty Performance at British Open Keeps Him in Contention

England's Dan Brown surprised everyone by leading the British Open after the first round. He followed his 65 with a challenging 72 on Friday, staying grounded with friends close by. Despite tougher conditions, Brown remains upbeat and proud of his journey, hoping to stay competitive through the weekend.

England's Dan Brown, the unexpected first-round leader at the British Open, continued his impressive run with a gritty 72 on Friday, finishing two shots behind leader Shane Lowry. The 29-year-old, ranked 272nd in the world, earned his spot through qualifying and has remained composed despite the pressure of the major tournament.

"I've always been quite laid back," Brown told reporters. "I'm a realist and I know not to get ahead of myself." Staying just 10 minutes from the course with friends, Brown credits the relaxed environment for keeping him grounded during the event.

"We have a house nearby with some friends, and they help keep my mind off things," he said. Enjoying his time in the spotlight after a modest start to his career, Brown aims to stay competitive through the weekend. "I hope to still be around on Sunday," he added, acknowledging the tough playing conditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)