Brian Harman firing a 1-under 70 over his last 18 holes to finish 13-under to win the British Open Championship for his first major victory Sunday at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England. Harman took the lead on Friday morning and held that lead for the remainder of the tournament to claim the Claret Jug and a $3 million first-place prize.
Harman entered the day with a 5-stroke lead on the field. and started the final round with bogeys on two of his first five holes. He came back with birdies on Nos. 6 and 7 and was even par on the front nine. making par on his next three holes. Harman then carded a bogey on No. 13, and responded with birdies on Nos. 14 and 15. He made par on his final three holes to seal the victory. No. 3 Jon Rahm, No. 24 Tom Kim, No. 27 Jason Day and No. 28 Sepp Straka tied for second at 7-under. Tournament favorite, No. 2 Rory McIlroy. tied for sixth at 6-under.
Harman told reporters: “I’ve always had self believe that I could do something like this, but when it takes so much time, it’s hard not to let your mind falter … I’m over the moon. It was a tough last three days. Being able to get some sleep was big last night. Sleeping on the lead was really difficult. … As far as being a bundle of nerves, I did pretty good.”
The PGA Tour continues with the 3M Open, taking place from Thursday through Sunday at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minn.
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