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2023 / Royal Liverpool
Brian Harman was a runaway winner of The 151st Open, producing a magnificent performance at Royal Liverpool to become the Champion Golfer of the Year.
Just like Shane Lowry at Royal Portrush four years earlier, Harman triumphed by six shots – a margin that demonstrated how brilliantly he handled the tests posed by the Hoylake links and a variety of different conditions.
The left-handed American opened up a five-stroke lead through 36 holes, a second-round 65 lifting him well clear of the field in front of record crowds for an Open in England.
Harman duly acknowledged that he faced a huge mental test as he aimed to retain his advantage and secure comfortably the biggest win of his career. His response could hardly have been more impressive.
There were early wobbles from the leader on Saturday and Sunday, as the weather worsened and a softened links presented fresh challenges. However, on each occasion, Harman quickly got back on track and he ultimately cantered to victory with a 13-under total, making light of the heavy rain that fell on the final day.
“I've always had a self-belief that I could do something like this. It's just when it takes so much time it's hard not to let your mind falter, like maybe I'm not winning again.” Brian Harman
Jon Rahm, who vaulted into contention with a third-round 63 - the lowest score in an Open at Hoylake - shared second place on seven-under with Jason Day, Tom Kim and Sepp Straka, with Emiliano Grillo and the 2014 Champion at Royal Liverpool, Rory McIlroy, a shot further back.
Grillo had been one of three first-round leaders, together with Amateur Champion Christo Lamprecht, who ultimately claimed the Silver Medal, and local hero Tommy Fleetwood. Yet it was Harman who led after every round thereafter, typifying the Georgia native's dominance.
Fleetwood - receiving huge support not far from his home town of Southport - ended the week in a share of 10th alongside Matthew Jordan, the Royal Liverpool member who thrilled his home club with a splendid performance after hitting the first tee shot of the Championship.
"It was just the perfect finish to what has been the most unbelievable week," said Jordan.
Many of the Championship's most memorable moments occurred on the lengthened par-5 18th, which saw every score from three to 10, and the spectacular new par-3 17th, Little Eye, where Travis Smyth made a stunning hole-in-one on day two.
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