Brian Harman believes one part of his game is in really good shape ahead of his Open Championship defence at Royal Troon this week.
The diminutive American blew the field away during the 2023 edition at Royal Liverpool, finishing six shots clear of Austrian Sepp Straka.
2024, however, hasn’t been overly kind to the American. After missing the cut at the Masters, Harman delivered an honest verdict on why it all went wrong for him at Augusta.
Harman will hope to return to form this week in a style of golf that no doubt suits him.
Brian Harman optimistic ahead of Open title defence
Speaking to the media ahead of Thursday’s first round, Harman has claimed that his iron play is as good as it’s ever been.
“My stats this year have been really good. My ball striking has been as good as it’s ever been,” he explained.
The 37-year-old was less than complimentary about his putting, however.
“The only thing I haven’t done great this year is I haven’t putter especially well,” he added. “I am just kind of waiting for it all to line up correctly. You can work and work and work, but you never know when that work is going to pay off.”
Brian Harman looking to replicate Padraig Harrington’s Open achievement
Harman will be looking to replicate Padraig Harrington’s 2008 feat at Royal Troon; no player has managed to defend The Open since the Irishman 16 years ago.
Links golf poses a very different challenge, and Harman’s game is undoubtedly suited to the conditions this week.
The big question for the 37-year-old is whether he can keep pace with the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau.
Several big names are in form at present, and it could prove challenging to keep pace if the world’s best score freely.
Nevertheless, it would take a brave man to write Harman off, particularly after his 2023 triumph.
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