Brian Harman wins first major at 151st Open Championship

Holding a lead heading into the final round of a golf tournament is a challenge in itself. American Brian Harman came into Sunday’s final round at Royal Liverpool Golf Club with a 5-stroke lead and had never won a major tournament in his career. If you can imagine the amount of pressure that was felt prior to the first tee, in addition to the conditions of the golf course under a rain-drenched atmosphere it may seem unlikely that Harman would prevail this afternoon. Harman came into The Open Championship as the 26th ranked player in the world. His 6-stroke margin is the second largest in the history of the tournament.

A very significant victory for an American at The Open Championship that will now collect $3 million for the victory and becomes the second oldest (36 years old) first-time major winner since Sergio Garcia won The Masters in 2017 at the age of 37. Harman was well aware of what was being said around the gallery throughout the golf course, “I’d be lying if I didn’t hear some things that weren’t super nice today toward me. I hear them, but at the same time, I don’t try to let that influence the decision I’m about to make.”

Brian Harman now is expected to move to number 3 in the Ryder Cup points. Harman is a true story of a golfer that has been overlooked and underrated throughout his entire professional career. Players on the PGA tour have described Harman as a true grinder and professional, they all believe that Brian Harman embraces the underdog role. A resident of Sea Island, Georgia, now adds an Open Championship victory to his major tournaments resume: Masters Tournament (Tied for 12th), PGA Championship (Tied for 13th), U.S. Open (Tied for 2nd).