The Open: Brian Harman returns Claret Jug, displays on yr

Monday of the Open Championship week all the time appears bittersweet for the reigning champion. They need to return the Claret Jug to the R&A to allow them to put together for this yr’s occasion.

Last yr, Brian Harman received his first main championship at Royal Liverpool by six pictures. The former Georgia Bulldog was the Champion Golfer of the Year for the previous three hundred and sixty five days, and that trophy noticed so much.

From soccer and baseball video games to searching journeys, the Claret Jug obtained a first-hand expertise of being in Georgia.

“It’s been an incredible yr,” Harman mentioned. “A bit of unhappy to offer it again, however I’ll keep in mind all over the place it’s been endlessly… In my opinion, it’s the best trophy in all of sports activities. So I believe it’s deserving of the entire pageantry that’s concerned with it.”

Like many gamers, the Claret Jug underneath Harman’s possession noticed a number of totally different liquids sipped from it.

“I drank some unusually costly wine and a few unusually distinctive bourbon out of it,” he mentioned.

It can be evident that Harman doesn’t need this to be his solely main.

“Anytime that you just change into a significant champion, it elevates your standing within the recreation, elevates the way in which you’re perceived within the recreation,” he defined. “I attempt to take all of that in stride, however perceive that golf is crucial factor, and I’ve tried to enhance my golf recreation and get it in a spot the place I can contend in some extra majors down the highway.”

This yr, the R&A elevated the Open’s purse to $17 million, and the winner will obtain $3.1 million. It is the most recent occasion to extend its payout because the golf panorama continues to alter.

For Harman, although, it isn’t in regards to the cash. He is just not one of many gamers urgent for extra.

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

“I’d personally. I’m undecided everybody would, however I’d,” Harman mentioned about taking part in this occasion for much less cash.

“Some folks care extra about cash than I do, I suppose. I play golf for me. I play to see how good I can get at golf. I play golf as a result of I take pleasure in torturing myself with issues which can be arduous to do. That’s simply me. Most occasions after I get executed with a match, I couldn’t inform you how a lot I made that week.”

While Harman could not have to fret an excessive amount of in regards to the cash he makes, it does appear he performs on the PGA Tour for the appropriate causes. He is an easy man who enjoys farming, searching, fishing, and dwelling his life. Golf helps him have that type of world, however the cash doesn’t drive him.

The 3-time PGA Tour winner appears to change into the primary participant to defend his title on the Open since Padraig Harrington did it in 2007 and 2008.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For extra golf protection, observe us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You may also observe her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.