The Open: Brian Harman hits back at hunting critics after leaping into contention at Royal Portrush

Former champion golfer Brian Harman says he was surprised one of his favourite hobbies received heavy criticism after making a charge up the leaderboard on day two of the 2025 Open Championship. 

Harman, 38, strolled to his first major championship title two years ago in Liverpool and is threatening to win the final men's major of the year again in Northern Ireland. 

The American went round Royal Portrush in six-under 65 on Friday, returning a scorecard that contained no blemishes. 

Harman said in the immediate aftermath of his victory in 2023 that he planned to celebrate winning the biggest prize of his career by mowing grass and hunting at his farm in Georgia.  

The golfer, who also made his Ryder Cup debut in Italy following the victory, uses a bow and arrow to capture wild animals - such as turkeys and deers - to eat. 

British tabloids dubbed Harman 'The Butcher of Hoylake'. 

"I was surprised a little bit," Harman told reporters when asked about the topic shortly after making a closing birdie. 

"I was curious why everyone was asking so many questions about it. 

"I didn't realise that everyone was so upset about it. It's a hill I'll die on, and I have no [problems sleeping]. I'll sleep like a baby at night."

"They have incredible respect for the game"

Harman had to contend with a boisterous crowd at Hoylake in the summer of 2023. 

Unsurprisingly, the spectators were pulling for home favourites Tommy Fleetwood and Matthew Jordan. 

The left hander was repeatedly heckled and it led to Harman asking security to kick out one fan out he believed had overstepped the mark. 

There were also plenty of jibes about his deliberate pace of play.  

Harman said back then he had 'heard it all' and his feelings were never in danger of being hurt. 

But he had to draw a line in the sand when he wasn't afforded the same opportunities as his playing partners to play his shots. 

Harman said he has been treated differently at Portrush. 

"They have incredible respect for the game," he said. 

"The golf overall fan knowledge over here is unbelievable. They all play. They love the game. 

"And being an Open champion over here is really cool. They know who you are. They have respect for you.

"Like I said, I love coming over here. As far as golf, it's as pure as it gets."

Perhaps there is one simple reason why Harman is feeling the love in 2025.

"If you go back to Augusta and you've won The Masters, they're going to treat you differently than if you haven't won one," Harman said. 

"It would be the same at probably every major. Me personally, like I said, I love coming back here. I love all these courses. It's a lot of fun to play over here."

"I will approach the weekend the same way"

Harman began the day two shots adrift of the leaders. 

But by the time he reached Calamity Corner, the treacherously difficult par-3 16th, Harman had made five birdies and avoided any three-putts.

An eight-foot birdie putt at the 18th saw him lead by one before the afternoon wave took to the course. 

His nearest challengers were Haotong Li and Matthew Fitzpatrick. 

Harman said he hopes he can have a similar weekend to 2023. 

"The only thing I'm really worried about is the first tee ball tomorrow, and then I'll try to hit the next one up there close to the flag," he said. 

"If not, go to the second hole. It's a very boring approach that I take.

"I'm not trying to be heroic or do anything crazy. I know that I've got the game to do it, and it's just a matter of executing and staying in my own head

He added: "I would love to have a similar weekend and just play great the whole way through. There's going to be challenges. This is a hard golf course. 

"The pins have been in really, really tough spots, and you've really got to think your way around it. 

"Inevitably you're going to mis-hit some shots and end up in spots you don't want to be in, and the way you handle that will determine the outcome of the tournament for sure.

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