Dan Brown insists winning the British Open remains “unbelievable” despite going into the final round of his major debut just one stroke behind the leader.
The world number 272 player, who had to go through qualifying to qualify for Royal Troon, defied dire conditions and his lowly position to fight his way to an extraordinary victory.
“I didn’t come here with any particular expectations and I know what the game is like,” said the 29-year-old from Northallerton, who has missed the cut and withdrawn six times in his previous seven starts and finished 61st at last week’s Scottish Open.
“There’s still one round left and I’m not going to get ahead of myself and start thinking about the outcome.
“I can’t really imagine (winning) it, but you never know what’s going to happen. I’m not thinking about it. I just go out there and do my job and hope it’s good enough.”
Brown was leading by one stroke before an unfortunate double bogey on the 18th hole when, like his opening shot of the day on the first hole, his driver came to rest on the edge of a fairway bunker.
“I gave it my all today and just didn’t hit any bad golf shots, which is why I dropped three, so it’s a little disappointing the way it ended,” Brown added.
“It’s a bit frustrating, but if you would have told me earlier in the week that I would be one or two back in the final round of the British Open, I would have waved it off.”
Brown will be paired with world number one Scottie Scheffler in the final round as he seeks to become the first British Open champion since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992, a goal he shares with former world number one Justin Rose.
Rose shot 73 to reach the third round and finish in a tie for second behind American Billy Horschel along with Brown, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Sam Burns and Thriston Lawrence.
“It would be a great moment for me,” Rose said when asked about the possibility of winning a second major title.
“This tournament has given me some trouble (since my debut) but it has given me some great memories. To be near the top on Sunday is a good chance for me.”
“It was a total survival test out there and I think I survived well. Overall, I’m happy to look at the leaderboard and say I’m back in first place.”
“I think that par putt on the 18th hole put me in a really good place mentally. I feel like I have nothing to lose. I feel like tomorrow is within reach.”
“Those are the days I dream about. Those are the days I’ve worked hard for. Those are the days I’ve believed I can still get. The key to tomorrow is doing our best to make the most of it.”
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