The Open Championship witnessed a remarkable performance from Brian Harman, who soared to a five-shot lead after a flawless second round. The Savannah native, with his bogey-free round of 65, now stands at an impressive 10-under for the tournament, solidifying his dominance on the leaderboard.
Harman, although a relatively unfamiliar face on these golf courses, proved his mettle and experience with his astounding performance. Having competed at Royal Liverpool during his first Open Championship appearance in 2014, Harman’s limited links experience made his round all the more commendable.
When asked about his affinity for links golf, Harman expressed his fondness for the strategic options these courses provide. He stated, “I like when courses don’t force you to carry. There’s several different options to play golf holes. If you’re into the wind, you can hit way more club and send it up in the air to try to stop it, or you can try to finesse something lower, so I enjoy the variety of shots you have to hit.”
Despite his lack of familiarity with the course, Harman’s performance remained unimpeded as he carded impressive rounds of 67 and 65 on the opening days of the championship.
Harman’s second round commenced with a solid par on the first hole. However, what followed was a spectacular sequence of birdies on holes 2-5, interrupted only by a minor hiccup on the par-5 5th. Even in the face of mistakes, Harman’s luck seemed unending.
The front nine concluded with a remarkable score of 31, but Harman was forced to grind on the back nine to maintain his pristine scorecard. With incredible skill and finesse, Harman saved par time and again. It was on the daunting par-4 12th that he faced a challenging situation, yet his brilliant shot from 14 yards out resulted in an unforgettable par.
As Harman approached the 18th hole, he found himself with 242 yards remaining off the tee. However, this obstacle did not deter him. With sheer determination, the former Georgia Bulldog executed a magnificent approach shot, leaving him with a daunting eagle putt measuring 14 feet, 11 inches. Undeterred, Harman’s trusty flat stick delivered once more, securing his ascent to double-digit under-par territory.
Harman’s putting prowess has been exceptional throughout the tournament, and he looks to continue capitalizing on his hot putter in the remaining 36 holes. “I’ve had a hot putter the last couple of days, so [I’ll] try to ride it through the weekend,” Harman commented. With the halfway point of the championship reached, Harman recognizes the importance of rest and preparation for the upcoming challenges.
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