Monday of the Open Championship week all the time 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 yr’s occasion.
Final yr, Brian Harman gained his first main championship at Royal Liverpool by six pictures. The previous Georgia Bulldog was the Champion Golfer of the 12 months for the previous three hundred and sixty five days, and that trophy noticed so much.
From soccer and baseball video games to searching journeys, the Claret Jug obtained a first-hand expertise of being in Georgia.
“It’s been a fantastic yr,” Harman mentioned. “A bit unhappy to provide it again, however I’ll keep in mind all over the place it’s been endlessly… For my part, it’s the best 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 a number 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 simply change into a significant 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 an important 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 highway.”
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 vary.
For Harman, although, it isn’t concerning the cash. He’s not one of many gamers urgent for extra.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25531983/2162143349.jpg)
Picture by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Photographs
“I might personally. I’m unsure everybody would, however I might,” Harman mentioned about enjoying 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 take pleasure in torturing myself with issues which are exhausting to do. That’s simply me. Most occasions once I get achieved 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 concerning the cash he makes, it does appear he performs on the PGA Tour for the proper causes. He is a straightforward man who enjoys farming, searching, fishing, and dwelling his life. Golf helps him have that sort of world, however the cash doesn’t drive him.
The 3-time PGA Tour winner appears to be like 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 employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By means of. For extra golf protection, comply with us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You can too comply with her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.