HOYLAKE, UK – Whether it’s competing with big names or dealing with the weather, Brian Harman has been a force to be reckoned with.
He responded with flying colors and was among the winners of the prestigious tournaments on Sunday, winning the British Open by six shots.
On two occasions, he had a bogey followed by two birdies in a row.
The American finished the round on 70 for a total of 271, minus 13.
On his last hole, he sealed victory by six shots with an eight-foot par putt.
Harman, a native of Savannah, played at the University of Georgia.
A great outdoorsman, he was not bothered by rain or wind at Royal Liverpool.
At 36, he is the oldest major tournament winner since 2017, when Sergio Garcia was king of Augusta at 37.
In Garcia’s case, it’s no surprise.
Harman, on the other hand, has gone 167 matches without a win since his last win — in 2017, at the Wells Fargo Championship.
His third PGA win in 12 years on tour. This earned him $3 million.
Masters champion Jon Rahm shot a final-hole 70, tied for second with Tom Kim (67), Seb Straka (69) and Jason Day (69).
“Brian won by six strokes. There’s not much we can do,” Rahm said.
Harman led the way over the final 51 runs. Here he is with the now famous “claret jug”, golf’s oldest trophy.
“I think I’ll get a few pints in there,” Harman said.
Throughout the tournament, he sent just three balls into the bunker, including Sunday’s 18th hole.
“I always keep my process in mind,” said Winner. I know it’s not exciting, but before I got out of that pit, I wasn’t thinking about winning the tournament.
British Open champion in 2014 (and won in Scotland last weekend), Rory McIlroy hasn’t made much noise.
Three birdies in a row early in the round led him to a 68, his best score of the week.
He tied for sixth with Emiliano Grillo (68).
McIlroy hasn’t won a major since 2014, a streak of 34.
“I’m optimistic about the future,” said the Northern Irishman. “I just have to work hard.”
World No. 1 Scotty Scheffler posted a 67, the best card of the week.
That allowed him to finish tied for 284.
Defending champion Cameron Smith shot 73 to finish 33rd plus one.
Ontario’s Corey Conners shot a 76, tied for 52nd and was content with four runs.
He made four bogeys and a double bogey.
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