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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 ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports
· July 16, 2026
· 1 min read
SOUTHPORT, England (AP) — 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 gave him the clubhouse lead midway through the first round at Royal Birkdale on Thursday. After weeks of sunsh...
Key takeaway One of the few smokers in golf, Brown went through “seven or eight" cigarettes during his 4-under 66 that gave him the clubhouse lead midway through the first round at Royal Birkdale on Thursday.
Why this matters in The McAllen
While Dan Brown's smoking habit may raise eyebrows among health-conscious golf fans, his impressive first round at the British Open is a reminder that athletes from all walks of life can achieve success. For McAllen residents who follow golf, Brown's story may resonate with those who know friends or family members who struggle with nicotine addiction. The Rio Grande Valley has its own share of smokers, and Brown's ability to perform at a high level despite his habit may spark conversations about the complexities of addiction and personal choice. As the British Open continues, Valley golf enthusiasts will be watching to see if Brown can maintain his lead and whether his unorthodox habit will become a defining characteristic of his tournament run. Brown's performance may also inspire local golfers to reflect on their own habits and how they impact their game.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . The McAllen 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 ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? SOUTHPORT, England (AP) — 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 gave him the clubhouse lead midway through the first round at Royal Birkdale on Thursday. After weeks of sunsh...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by STEVE DOUGLAS, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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