India, July 18 -- 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 this northwest corner of England, the fairways here are baked and parched - making them a potential fire hazard from discarded cigarettes.

"I've been making sure that they're out," the 31-year-old Englishman said reassuringly.

Not that he sounds too proud of a habit that makes him stand out on the circuit, but which he feels is needed to relieve some stress.

"Sorry, Mum," he said with a cheeky smile.

The burly and bearded Bro...