The Open is a heck of a place for a first-timer to find his patience, but Brown appeared sanguine throughout his round, never panicking even when he dropped two shots on the front nine in the second round.
This time last year, Wyndham Clark rolled into the Open at Royal Liverpool as US Open champ. This week, ahead of the 152nd Open at Royal Troon, Clark was not even among the 15 betting favourites, checking in at $60 or higher on most pre-tournament odds.
The 29-year-old Englishman had to wait until 4:16pm – the second-last threesome – to begin the first round of his first career major start, only to shoot a bogey-free 65 to outpace Shane Lowry by one shot.
There is history at all the courses where the R&A plays The Open. While St Andrews might be the most familiar, it has rivals in terms of charm, tradition and novelty.
Rose, who has just one top-10 finish in 2024, shot rounds of 66 and 68 on the 36-hole qualifying day to earn co-medallist honours with fellow Brit Dominic Clemons.
Just in time for the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon later this month, the R&A has a new chief executive and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club has a new secretary. In waiting, that is.