Brian Harman, the reigning Open Championship titleholder, is set to defend his crown at Royal Troon this week. The prize for the year’s final major has increased to £2.7 million, a testament to the evolving landscape of professional golf.
Harman, who claimed the Claret Jug and £2.3 million last year at Royal Liverpool, stands to gain an additional £77,000 if he retains his title, courtesy of a £385,000 boost to the total purse by the R&A. This surge in prize money reflects a broader trend influenced by the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series, which has prompted the PGA Tour to enhance its own offerings, thus affecting major championships like The Open.
When questioned about the historical significance of the Open Championship and whether he would compete without a financial reward, Harman affirmed, “Yeah, I would personally. I’m not sure everyone would, but I would.” He elaborated, “Some people care more about money than I do, I suppose. I play golf to see how good I can get at golf. I enjoy challenging myself with difficult tasks. Most times, after a tournament, I couldn’t tell you how much I made that week.”
This stance contrasts sharply with golfers who have joined the LIV Golf series, where financial incentives are a significant draw. Dustin Johnson, for example, candidly discussed his motivations in a Netflix interview, explaining that his decision was driven by the opportunity to work less while earning more. Johnson reportedly secured a deal worth £96.3 million with Greg Norman’s team, emphasizing, “For me, it was playing less, making more money. Pretty simple.”
Bryson DeChambeau echoed similar sentiments, describing his move to LIV Golf as a ‘business decision’ aimed at securing his family’s future and allowing for more free time