The Open: England's Dan Brown, the cigarette-smoking fan favourite, grabs early major lead again at Royal Birkdale

Fans’ favourite Dan Brown is hoping his mid-round smoking will be allowed to continue after grabbing a shock share of the early clubhouse lead at The Open.

Brown burst into the public spotlight during his 2024 debut at Royal Troon, where he topped the leaderboard on the opening day and had a final-round pairing with Scottie Scheffler on his way to a tied-10th finish.

The Englishman is popular on social media and has become a fans' favourite for his on-course behaviour, with Brown seen enjoying a mid-round cigarette and selfie with fans during the PGA Championship in May.

Brown - a two-time DP World Tour winner - has missed 10 of his 13 cuts so far this season but ripped up the form book during his opening round at Royal Birkdale, mixing seven birdies with three bogeys to post a four-under 66.

"Obviously it's only Thursday, but hopefully I'm in similar area on the leaderboard come Sunday," said after his round. "I feel like I can compete in a major and in an Open Championship.

"I feel like I'm a better player now to what I was back then two years ago, so we'll see [what happens]."

Hot and humid weather has produced a burnt-out course and bringing a possible fire risk, with on-course screens warning spectators to 'take extra caution and maintain vigilance for fire hazards in dry conditions'.