With a commanding five-shot lead heading into the final day of the Open Championship, Brian Harman finds himself on the cusp of an unforgettable victory. Only a monumental collapse could prevent him from raising the prestigious Claret Jug.
Despite a shaky start to his round on Saturday, where he went 2-over par, Harman remained unshaken by Jon Rahm’s impressive 63. The former Georgia Bulldog kept his focus and maintained his substantial lead.
Interestingly, history shows that the largest 54-hole lead ever lost at The Open is five shots. Jean Van de Velde’s infamous collapse in 1999 and Macdonald Smith’s stumble in 1925 are the only instances where such a lead has slipped away.
Harman’s exceptional putting prowess has been the cornerstone of his success. Astonishingly, he has sunk all 44 putts within 10 feet, a remarkable feat in any major championship. Additionally, Harman has yet to face a putt outside 40 feet in his first 54 holes.
When asked about his secret after the round, Harman humorously responded with, “I can’t tell you, not the night before.” It’s evident that his putter has been a significant contributing factor to his outstanding performance on the greens.
Despite the early setback, Harman rebounded with four birdies to finish the round at 12-under. Once he regained his rhythm and attained a score of 10-under, his strides became increasingly confident and effortless.
Staying patient has been paramount for Harman, especially during challenging moments on the course. Reflecting on his mental fortitude, he shared, “It would have been really easy to let the wheels start spinning and really kind of let it get out of control, but I just kind of doubled down on my routine. Staying patient out there is paramount. Sometimes it’s a lot harder than others. But really proud of the way that I hung in there.”
Closing his round with five consecutive pars, including solid performances on the challenging 14th and 17th holes, Harman showcased his unwavering focus and determination. Even after an errant tee shot on the final hole, he managed to salvage a crucial par.
Harman’s exceptional display of skill and mental stability has propelled him within touching distance of his first major championship. Additionally, a victory would make him the second former Georgia Bulldog golfer to win a major, following in the footsteps of Bubba Watson.
Speaking about his childhood dreams, Harman stated, “You’d be foolish not to envision, and I’ve thought about winning majors for my whole entire life. It’s the whole reason I work as hard as I do… Tomorrow – if that’s going to come to fruition for me, it has to be all about the golf. It has to be execution and just staying in the moment.”
As the final round beckons, the golfing world awaits in anticipation to witness whether Brian Harman’s exceptional form and unwavering focus will secure his place in history. Follow the action closely as he attempts to etch his name alongside the legends of the game.
The Business Press 