Brian Harman makes prize money claim ahead of Open defence

Brian Harman will defend his Open title at Royal Troon this week, and he’d do it without being paid.

Earlier today, the R&A announced that this year’s winner will receive the highest amount in Open history, as part of a record prize purse.

The Champion Golfer of the Year will walk away with $3.1 million from a total of $17 million up for grabs in South Ayrshire.

That has no bearing on Harman’s ambitions, however, as the 37-year-old said he would contest golf’s oldest championship for less or even no prize money at all.

“I would, personally,” he told the media before suggesting he might be one of a limited group.

• Golf fans all say the same thing about the beer at The Open

• 8 burning questions ahead of the 152nd Open

“I’m not sure everyone would, but I would,” he added.

Why? It’s the most storied major in the professional game and takes stage on some of the world’s finest venues. Forget about that.

“Because some people care more about money than I do, I suppose,” Harman quipped.

“I play golf for me. Like I play golf to see how good I can get at golf. I play golf because I enjoy torturing myself with things that are really hard to do. That’s just me.

“Most times when I get done with a tournament, I couldn’t tell you within commas of how much that I made that week.”

He claimed $3 million for his triumph at Royal Liverpool 12 months ago, with his career earnings on the PGA Tour a healthy $37.7 million.

• For sale! ‘House on the course’ at Royal Troon hits the market

• R&A pays tribute to Ivor Robson at Royal Troon

But if his peers are hoping for a significant boost to prize money in the Open’s near future, they might have to think again.

Martin Slumbers, the departing CEO of the R&A, admitted the increase to this year’s purse came with concerns over the ‘long-term financial sustainability’ of the sport.

“The R&A has a responsibility to strike a balance between maintaining The Open’s position in the global game, providing the funds required for governance and developing amateur and recreational golf in 146 countries internationally,” Slumbers said.

“We remain concerned about the impact substantial increases in men’s professional prize money are having on the perception of the sport and its long-term financial sustainability.

“We are determined to act with the interests of the global game in mind as we pursue our goal of ensuring golf continues to thrive in 50 years’ time.”

The tournament remains the least lucrative of the ‘Big Four’ – $1.5 million short of the PGA Championship’s purse in May.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.