Monday of the Open Championship week all the time appears bittersweet for the reigning champion. They should return the Claret Jug to the R&A to allow them to put together for this yr’s occasion.
Final yr, Brian Harman received his first main championship at Royal Liverpool by six photographs. The previous Georgia Bulldog was the Champion Golfer of the 12 months for the previous twelve months, and that trophy noticed loads.
From soccer and baseball video games to searching journeys, the Claret Jug obtained a first-hand expertise of being in Georgia.
“It’s been an incredible yr,” Harman mentioned. “A bit unhappy to present it again, however I’ll keep in mind all over the place it’s been ceaselessly… For my part, it’s the best trophy in all of sports activities. So I feel it’s deserving of all the pageantry that’s concerned with it.”
Like many gamers, the Claret Jug underneath Harman’s possession noticed a couple of completely different liquids sipped from it.
“I drank some unusually costly wine and a few unusually distinctive bourbon out of it,” he mentioned.
Additionally it is evident that Harman doesn’t need this to be his solely main.
“Anytime that you just change into a serious champion, it elevates your standing within the sport, elevates the best way you’re perceived within the sport,” 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 sport and get it in a spot the place I can contend in some extra majors down the street.”
This yr, 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 alter.
For Harman, although, it isn’t in regards to the cash. He’s not one of many gamers urgent for extra.
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Photograph by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Photographs
“I’d personally. I’m undecided everybody would, however I’d,” Harman mentioned about enjoying this occasion for much less cash.
“Some folks 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 take pleasure in torturing myself with issues which might be arduous to do. That’s simply me. Most occasions after I get accomplished with a event, I couldn’t inform you how a lot I made that week.”
Whereas Harman might 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 a straightforward man who enjoys farming, searching, 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 change 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 workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By. For extra golf protection, observe us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You can too observe her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.
