PGA Tour pro admits regret over stroppy interview: "I don't care to be that way"
PGA Tour pro and reigning Open champion Brian Harman admitted he regretted getting 'curt' with reporters at the RBC Heritage.
PGA Tour pro and reigning champion golfer of the year Brian Harman has admitted he 'regrets' getting curt with reporters after the first round of the RBC Heritage.
A clip of Harman getting frustrated with a pool of scribes at Hilton Head spread like wildfire a few weeks ago at the signature PGA Tour event.
Harman had played well, playing the first 16 holes without a blemish on his scorecard before ruining his opening round with a poor finish that saw him finish with a bogey and a double.
He was accused by some golf fans on X of disrespecting the tournament sponsor by not approaching his media duties properly.
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Although in fairness, others did see the funny side of it and appreciated his raw honesty.
"I don't care to be that way," Harman told reporters as part of a media session previewing his defence of the Claret Jug later this summer at Royal Troon.
"I don’t like coming off as curt or disrespectful. Everyone has got a job to do. I hate that it came off that way.
"As far as the way I was feeling, it’s just as raw as it gets. I don’t want to come off as ungrateful for what I get to do. I love what I do. It’s the only thing that I could do every day.
"I’ve always wanted to be a golfer, so I’m grateful for the opportunity.
"But I do care a lot, and when I do something that’s not up to par as far as execution on the golf course, like I’m upset about it.
"I take a lot of pride in what I do, and I was hot, man.
"I was hot coming off. I had a really good day and ruined it with the last couple holes, and probably should have just not done the interview in hindsight."
Harman eventually finished T-12 at the RBC Heritage.
The 152nd Open will be staged at Royal Troon over 18-21 July.
Competitors will face the longest hole in Open history when the Ayrshire Links hosts the major.
The sixth hole will measure 623 yards, which represents an increase in 22 yards since the last time the Open was staged there in 2016.
Harman endured a hostile atmosphere last July when he ran away with the 151st Open at Royal Liverpool.
Some spectators continually taunted him, primarily about how long he was taking over each shot.
Harman told reporters whatever reception awaits him, he'll be ready.
"I’ve always really enjoyed playing golf in front of the fans over there because they’re so knowledgeable about the game," he said.
"They understand what a good shot is. They understand what a bad shot is. I like how knowledgeable they are. They get it. They’re a joy to play in front of."
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