Open hopeful reacts to Rory McIlroy's holiday whinge remarks
Defending Open champion Brian Harman says he cannot envisage what Rory McIlroy's life is like after the Ulsterman said he's never enjoyed his success.
Defending Open champion Brian Harman says he cannot imagine what Rory McIlroy's life is like after the Northern Irishman complained that he's not taken a proper holiday for five years.
McIlroy made the comments during last week's Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club.
Going forward, McIlroy told reporters he's more determined than ever to have more fun and free himself from the shackles of the profession.
The four-time major champion also admitted on the eve of The Open at Royal Troon he wants to take a step back and appreciate what he's done in his career.
"I don't really enjoy my success," he said.
"And I haven't I would say for the last five. I haven't been on a vacation in probably four or five years.
"So I think just stepping back and enjoying myself a little bit more away from my game is the thing. Have some fun.”
The aforementioned Harman was thrust into the spotlight 12 months ago when he claimed the 151st Open at Royal Liverpool.
It was a whirlwind year for Harman in which he also represented the United States in the Ryder Cup for the very first time.
The American told reporters in his news conference on Monday that the moment it dawned on him he was a major champion arrived on a chilly morning when he was on his tractor back home.
The solitude of his farm has helped him deal with the rigours of playing at the top of the elite men's game.
"It's nice to be The Open champion and still be doing the same thing that I would have been doing otherwise," he said.
Asked about McIlroy, Harman said: "I can't imagine being Rory.
"Rory would have trouble going out to eat somewhere.
"That's a part of this gig that's probably been the hardest adjustment is not having enough of your own time, I guess you could say, to where it's hard to escape it sometimes.
"That's why I think like my farm and being out on the boat and stuff like that are the places that we crave because it's the place where you get to escape all of it, and you just get to be by yourself for a little while."
"I'll be in a really good spot"
McIlroy arrived at Royal Troon with his caddie Harry Diamond on Monday.
In his first event since his US Open collapse, McIlroy finished in a tie for fourth at the Scottish Open.
He is scheduled to speak to the media at 2pm BST tomorrow.
McIlroy has already given one interview to the official PGA Tour website where he said he feels sharp after knocking off some rust at The Renaissance Club.
"If I can get the putter to cooperate and get the speed of the greens down...I feel like I'll be in a really good spot [for the Open]," he said.
