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'Sorry, Mum': Cigarette smoker Dan Brown lights up British Open with another strong first round
By Steve Douglas, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 16, 2026
· 2 min read
Dan Brown is lighting it up again at the British Open.One of the few smokers in golf, Brown went through “seven or eight" cigarettes during his 4-under 66 that left him tied for second place, one shot off the lead, after the first round at Royal Birkdale on Thursday.After weeks of sunshine in thi...
Key takeaway One of the few smokers in golf, Brown went through “seven or eight" cigarettes during his 4-under 66 that left him tied for second place, one shot off the lead, after the first round at Royal Birkdale on Thursday.
Why this matters in The Piney Point
For golf enthusiasts in Piney Point Village , Dan Brown's strong first round at the British Open is a notable development, given the village's own interest in the sport. While Brown's smoking habit may raise eyebrows, his performance on the course is what truly matters, and his ability to compete with top players is a testament to his skill. As a community with its own share of golfers and fans, Piney Point Village may see some locals drawing inspiration from Brown's determination and perseverance, despite his unorthodox habits. The fact that Brown has been open about his stress relief methods and has a strong online presence, including a YouTube channel, may also resonate with younger golf enthusiasts in the area who are looking for relatable figures in the sport. As the British Open continues, residents of Piney Point Village will likely be keeping an eye on Brown's progress, eager to see if he can maintain his momentum and make a strong finish.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Dan Brown is lighting it up again at the British Open.One of the few smokers in golf, Brown went through “seven or eight" cigarettes during his 4-under 66 that left him tied for second place, one shot off the lead, after the first round at Royal Birkdale on Thursday.After weeks of sunshine in thi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Steve Douglas, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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