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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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· 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 San Antonio
San Antonio golf enthusiasts are likely taking notice of Dan Brown's impressive start at the British Open, and his unapologetic smoking habit may raise eyebrows among local health advocates. As a community that prioritizes public health, San Antonio has implemented various initiatives to reduce smoking rates and promote healthy lifestyles. Brown's reliance on cigarettes to relieve stress may spark a conversation about the challenges of maintaining mental well-being in high-pressure sports. Meanwhile, local golfers may be inspired by Brown's ability to compete with the best players in the world, despite his unconventional approach to the game. As the British Open continues, San Antonio fans will be watching to see if Brown can sustain his strong performance and potentially bring home a top finish, all while navigating the scrutiny surrounding his smoking habit.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Steve Douglas, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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