Brian Harman: ‘Brutal’ UK fans didn’t want me to win The Open
By Matt Chivers
Brian Harman overcame a number of home favourites to win the Claret Jug, which some golf fans didn’t take kindly to at Hoylake
“Boy, did they not want me to win this golf tournament.” That’s how Brian Harman felt about UK golf fans after winning The Open.
The Champion Golfer of the Year described his reception at Hoylake as “brutal,” but also expressed his appreciation for British spectators on the Dan Patrick Show.
Harman dominated at Royal Liverpool, leaving home favourites like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood in his wake as he won by six shots in tough conditions.
“They don’t care for an underdog over there,” he said. “It was brutal man. I’ve always appreciated the fans there because they’re very knowledgeable, they know when to clap, they know the game and they know guys like me.
“I could go to tour events in the United States and a lot of people have no idea who I am, and that’s totally fine.
“But over there, they cover golf a little differently, so I’ve always appreciated their knowledge of the game, but boy, did they not want me to win this golf tournament.”
In his winner’s press conference, Harman revealed he heard one fan say he “didn’t have the stones” to hoist the Claret Jug, which the American used as fuel to win his maiden major title.
Some hostility was aimed his way for being a passionate animal hunter back home in Georgia too, a topic Harman also addressed with Patrick.
“They can’t stand it over there. They can’t stand it. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion.
“If someone’s that mad at me knowing where my meat comes from while they still eat meat, I’ve got no time for that.”
Similar to US Open champion Wyndham Clark’s comments at The Open, Harman said his life won’t change after etching himself into golf history in such spectacular style.
He has risen to 10th in the world rankings and third in the US Ryder Cup rankings. A debut in the biennial match against Europe in September now beckons.
Despite being “a ball of nerves” at the weekend which led to early bogeys in the final two rounds of The Open, Harman conquered the elements with quality in every part of his game.
“I drove the ball really well,” he said. “I was able to take on – over there the bunkers are scary, but if you’re willing to take on a few of them here and there, you can get some really good looks into the greens.
“And it worked out. I drove the ball really well and I was really smart coming into the greens and I made a lot of putts. “That was my MO is when the putter gets hot, I can do really good and I just hadn’t had a week like that in a long time when the putter was good for four days.”
What did you make of the performance of Brian Harman the Open champion? Tell us with a tweet!
NOW READ: What’s in Brian Harman’s bag?
Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spent time with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
