Monday of the Open Championship week at all times appears bittersweet for the reigning champion. They need to return the Claret Jug to the R&A to allow them to put together for this 12 months’s occasion.
Final 12 months, Brian Harman gained his first main championship at Royal Liverpool by six photographs. The previous Georgia Bulldog was the Champion Golfer of the Yr for the previous three hundred and sixty five days, and that trophy noticed rather a lot.
From soccer and baseball video games to looking journeys, the Claret Jug obtained a first-hand expertise of being in Georgia.
“It’s been an incredible 12 months,” Harman mentioned. “Just a little unhappy to provide it again, however I’ll bear in mind in all places it’s been ceaselessly… In my view, it’s the good trophy in all of sports activities. So I feel it’s deserving of the entire pageantry that’s concerned with it.”
Like many gamers, the Claret Jug beneath Harman’s possession noticed just a few completely different liquids sipped from it.
“I drank some unusually costly wine and a few unusually distinctive bourbon out of it,” he mentioned.
It’s also evident that Harman doesn’t need this to be his solely main.
“Anytime that you simply turn into a significant champion, it elevates your standing within the recreation, elevates the best way you’re perceived within the recreation,” he defined. “I attempt to take all of that in stride, however perceive that golf is a very powerful factor, and I’ve tried to enhance my golf recreation and get it in a spot the place I can contend in some extra majors down the street.”
This 12 months, the R&A elevated the Open’s purse to $17 million, and the winner will obtain $3.1 million. It’s the newest occasion to extend its payout because the golf panorama continues to vary.
For Harman, although, it isn’t in regards to the cash. He isn’t one of many gamers urgent for extra.
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Picture by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Photos
“I’d personally. I’m unsure everybody would, however I’d,” Harman mentioned about taking part in this occasion for much less cash.
“Some individuals care extra about cash than I do, I suppose. I play golf for me. I play to see how good I can get at golf. I play golf as a result of I get pleasure from torturing myself with issues which are onerous to do. That’s simply me. Most instances once I get carried out with a event, I couldn’t let you know how a lot I made that week.”
Whereas Harman could not have to fret an excessive amount of in regards to the cash he makes, it does appear he performs on the PGA Tour for the best causes. He is an easy man who enjoys farming, looking, fishing, and residing his life. Golf helps him have that type of world, however the cash doesn’t drive him.
The 3-time PGA Tour winner appears to be like to turn into the primary participant to defend his title on the Open since Padraig Harrington did it in 2007 and 2008.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By way of. For extra golf protection, observe us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You may also observe her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.
