Brian Harman returns Claret Jug, reflects on interesting year as The Open champion

Monday of the Open Championship week always seems bittersweet for the reigning champion. They have to return the Claret Jug to the R&A so they can prepare for this year’s event.

Last year, Brian Harman won his first major championship at Royal Liverpool by six shots. The former Georgia Bulldog was the Champion Golfer of the Year for the past 365 days, and that trophy saw a lot.

From football and baseball games to hunting trips, the Claret Jug got a first-hand experience of being in Georgia.

“It’s been a great year,” Harman said. “A little sad to give it back, but I’ll remember everywhere it’s been forever… In my opinion, it’s the coolest trophy in all of sports. So I think it’s deserving of all of the pageantry that is involved with it.”

Like many players, the Claret Jug under Harman’s possession saw a few different liquids sipped from it.

“I drank some unusually expensive wine and some unusually exceptional bourbon out of it,” he said.

It is also evident that Harman does not want this to be his only major.

“Anytime that you become a major champion, it elevates your status in the game, elevates the way you’re perceived in the game,” he explained. “I try to take all of that in stride, but understand that golf is the most important thing, and I’ve tried to improve my golf game and get it in a place where I can contend in some more majors down the road.”

This year, the R&A increased the Open’s purse to $17 million, and the winner will receive $3.1 million. It is the latest event to increase its payout as the golf landscape continues to change.

For Harman, though, it is not about the money. He is not one of the players pressing for more.

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

“I would personally. I’m not sure everyone would, but I would,” Harman said about playing this event for less money.

“Some people care more about money than I do, I suppose. I play golf for me. I play to see how good I can get at golf. I play golf because I enjoy torturing myself with things that are hard to do. That’s just me. Most times when I get done with a tournament, I couldn’t tell you how much I made that week.”

While Harman may not have to worry too much about the money he makes, it does seem he plays on the PGA Tour for the right reasons. He is a simple man who enjoys farming, hunting, fishing, and living his life. Golf helps him have that kind of world, but the money does not drive him.

The 3-time PGA Tour winner looks to become the first player to defend his title at the Open since Padraig Harrington did it in 2007 and 2008.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.