Brian Harman, the current Open champion, is eagerly anticipating his return to links golf as he prepares to defend his title at Royal Troon in July. Despite previously admitting his disdain for links golf, he is now looking forward to the challenge it presents.
The 37-year-old American, who secured victory at last year’s Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, confessed that he initially despised links golf. His first experience at the neighbouring Prestwick left him horrified as he struggled to adapt to the weather and the unforgiving nature of the courses. However, Harman’s perspective on links golf underwent a dramatic transformation when he made his Open Championship debut in 2014 and fell in love with the unique playing conditions.
Harman expressed a lament for the limited opportunities to play demanding and varied golf courses, highlighting his enjoyment of the intellectual aspect of the game and the necessity to employ a wide range of golf shots. Despite encountering some hostility from the fans during his previous Open Championship victory, he expressed his appreciation for the knowledgeable and supportive crowds, expressing a desire to compete in front of them once again.
This year’s Open Championship at Royal Troon is expected to draw a record crowd of 250,000, making it the highest attendance for an Open held in Scotland outside of St Andrews.
It’s evident that Harman’s journey from despising links golf to relishing the challenge it presents has shaped his perspective on the game, and fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how he performs at Royal Troon this July.