The Open: Brian Harman reigns supreme at Royal Liverpool

Brian Harman stormed to the Claret Jug as he won The Open by six shots in a dominant showing at Royal Liverpool.

The nerveless American performed superbly in horrendous conditions to post a final round 70 and comfortably claim his maiden major title.

The heavy rain did not subside throughout the final round but Harman has looked unstoppable since taking the lead at the halfway stage and did not buckle under the most intense pressure in horrendous conditions.

• What was in Harman’s bag at The Open?

Nearest challengers Jon Rahm, Tom Kim, Jason Day, Sepp Straka shared a tie for second but couldn’t get close to the imperious Harman in what turned out to be a Sunday procession at Hoylake.

The 36-year-old converted a halfway lead for the first time in his professional career and becomes only the fifth left-handed major winner in history.

He ended a six-year wait for a victory on perhaps the biggest stage of them all.

Harman had taken a five stroke lead into the final round and his advantage was never reduced to more than three, despite a brief early wobble.

“I’m over the moon,” Harman said. “It was a tough last three days, it really was, but being able to get some sleep was big last night.

“Sleeping on a lead like that is really difficult, so I’m glad of the way I hung in there the last couple of days.

“I got off to a bad start both days and turned it around, so I’m really happy with that.

“As far as being a bundle of nerves, I did pretty good.”

• The Open Report Card: Who made the grade at Hoylake?

Jon Rahm made a bright early start but could not mount a serious challenge after his scintillating eight-under 63 to put him into the mix on Saturday.

Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, was four shots from the lead at one stage, but will now enter a decade without tasting major glory.

Ladies and gentlemen…

The 2023 'Champion Golfer of the Year'

BRIAN HARMAN 👏🏼🏆 pic.twitter.com/GoClv92M4V

— bunkered (@BunkeredOnline) July 23, 2023

The Northern Irishman made three birdies in row on his back nine to close in, but in truth, was always just too far behind the irrepressible Harman. McIlroy ultimately in finish in a tie for sixth after his closing 68.

• McEwan: Rory McIlroy and time’s merciless burden

Fleetwood ultimately finished nine shots back in a tie for 10th, alongside Matthew Jordan, the Royal Liverpool member who had a fairytale week after hitting the first tee shot of the championship on his home course.

But it was Harman’s day, as he etched his name into the history books as the 2023 Champion Golfer of the Year.