The Monday of Open week is always bittersweet for the reigning champion, as he must hand the Claret Jug back to the R&A in preparation for this year’s tournament.
Last year, Brian Harman won his first major championship by six strokes at Royal Liverpool. The former Georgia Bulldog was named Golfer of the Year for the past 365 days and the trophy came with plenty of accolades.
From football and baseball games to hunting trips, the Claret Jug got to experience what it’s like to be in Georgia.
“It’s been a great year,” Herman said, “I’m a little sad to give it back, but I’ll always remember where it was… It’s the coolest trophy in sports, in my opinion, so I think it deserves all the glitz that comes with it.”
Like many of the players, some liquid was drunk from Herman’s Claret Jug.
“I’ve had insanely expensive wines and insanely good bourbons from there,” he said.
It’s also clear that Herman doesn’t want this to be his sole major.
“When you win a major championship, it raises your status in the golf world and your reputation in the golf world,” he explained. “I try to take it all in stride, but I know that golf is what matters most, and I’ve been trying to improve my game and get to a level where I can compete better in the majors in the future.”
This year, the R&A is increasing the Open’s prize money to $17 million, with $3.1 million awarded to the winner, making it the latest tournament to increase prize money as golf continues to change.
But for Herman, it’s not about the money. He’s not one of those players who wants more.
Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
“Personally, I would do it. I don’t know if everybody else would do it, but I would,” Herman said about attending the event for less money.
“I think some people care more about the money than I do. I play golf for myself. I play to see how good I can be at it. I play golf because I like to push myself with difficult things. That’s who I am. Most of the time, when the tournament is over, I don’t know how much I made that week.”
Herman may not have to worry too much about the money he makes, but there’s a good reason he’s on the PGA Tour. He’s a simple guy who farms, hunts, fishes and enjoys life. Golf gives him that world, but money isn’t what drives him.
The three-time PGA Tour winner is bidding to become the first player to defend his British Open title since Padraig Harrington did it in 2007 and 2008.
Savannah Lee Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation Playing Through. Follow us for more golf articles. Follow You can follow us on all major social platforms. You can also follow us on Twitter Follow Her Instagram account is @golf_girl_sl.
