By Brian Harman, the reigning Open champion, is excited for his title defense at Royal Troon, which begins on Thursday and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf from 6:30 am. Harman, who secured his first major title with a six-shot victory at Royal Liverpool in 2023, aims to become the first back-to-back winner of The Open since Padraig Harrington in 2007-2008.
Harman, currently ranked No. 13 in the world, expressed mixed feelings about returning the Claret Jug, which he called the “coolest trophy in golf.” Despite the sadness, he is eager to compete as a major champion and confident in his ball striking, which he believes is at its peak.
Reflecting on his victory and the year that followed, Harman noted that becoming a major champion elevates a player’s status in the game. He emphasized the importance of focusing on his golf game, aiming to contend in more majors. While his ball striking has been excellent, Harman acknowledged that his putting has been less consistent this year. He remains hopeful that his hard work will soon pay off.
Harman also addressed the heckling he faced during his win last year, which he described as “unrepeatable” abuse that fueled his victory. He believes the negative fan behavior was an anomaly and expects a more positive reception in Scotland. Harman appreciates the knowledgeable fans in the UK and is ready to focus on playing his best golf, regardless of external distractions.
In response to the R&A’s announcement of minimal increases in prize money due to financial sustainability concerns, Harman stated that he would be content playing for less money or even no money at all, although he acknowledged that not everyone shares this sentiment. For Harman, the joy of playing golf and tackling its challenges is more important than financial rewards.
As he prepares for The 152nd Open, Harman remains confident in his game and eager to defend his title in front of his home fans, making the most of this significant opportunity.
