At the Open Harman takes his major step

HOYLAKE, England — The champion golfer of the year. That’s the historical and wonderful phrase used annually to introduce the winner of the Open Championship, a phrase both of exclusivity — as if no other event matters — and confirmation.

That’s the phrase Martin Slumbers, secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, called out for Brian Harman.

Not that anyone should be surprised after the last two days when he stormed into a lead any sporting realist would have agreed was insurmountable.

Ahead by — dare we say — a whopping 5 shots before a final round at Royal Liverpool that would offer constant (and occasionally heavy) rain but no drama even when briefly at the fifth hole the margin was reduced to three shots.

By the time the 151st Open came to the soggy end, Harman shooting a 1-under 70 for a 72-hole score of 13-under 271, was six shots clear from a group that changed as often as the leader didn’t. Second place at 277 was shared by Tom Kim, Sepp Straka, Jason Day and the man who shot 63 Saturday (and won the Masters in April) Jon Rahm. Predictions were that Rory McIlroy, who won the Open here in 2014 and took the Scottish Open a week ago, would come in first. However, he putted poorly and was sixth.

It is a media belief a major is not a major — especially from a television standpoint — without marquee players such as McIlroy in the mix. The 36-year-old Harman hadn’t won a Tour event since 2017. He did lead the 2017 U.S. Open, but he hardly could be called a star. In fact, the non-golf crowd, despite the spelling of their names, would confuse him with Butch Harmon, who worked with various pros including Tiger Woods.

No more. If Harman isn’t marquee, he’s at the top of the heap in his profession. Bobby Jones won the Open. Ben Hogan won the Open. Arnold Palmer won the Open. Jack Nicklaus won the Open. Now 5-foot-7 Brian Harman has won the Open.

In the second round Harman, contrary to the spirit of golf, was heckled by a few boisterous spectators who presumingly were trying to improve the chances of local favorite Tommy Fleetwood. Harman shrugged this off. He knows now. All Sunday the crowd was universally cheering.  

”I’ve always had a self-belief that I could do something like this,” said Harman. “It’s just when it takes so much time it’s hard not to let your mind falter, like maybe I’m not winning again. I’m 36 years old. The game is getting younger.  All these young guys coming out, hit it a mile, and they’re all ready to win. Like when is it going to be my turn again?”

He knows now. We all know. The man who wasn’t marquee is a major champion.