The Open is always a great tournament to watch each year. The weather, the rough, and the bunkers always provide a stern test. This year is no different. I know several here might bust a blood vessel if Brian Harman were to hold on to win, but you’ve got to admit he’s played three great rounds and is position to take it. But holding the lead on the last day is always tough. Plus John Rahm caught fire and if he can continue at that pace it could be a barn burner.
I had the pleasure of seeing Harman play in high school. I had just started coaching our golf team and wanted to build a contender for a Region title and make it to state. We played in an early season tournament in Moultrie and Glynn Academy from St, Simon’s, a perennial high school golf power, was also participating. Their coach, Terry Tuley, was widely regarded as one of the best coaches around. So I’m thinking that I’ll find him, introduce myself, and see if he’ll share any ideas for building a strong program.
When I met and introduced myself to Coach Tuley, he was nice enough to talk program golf, but what he told me was this…”Coach, I’m probably not the guy to ask because all my guys‘ parents send them to Houston several times a year to work with the Golf Digest instructors. They can all play very well. In fact, when they hired me they told me I only needed to do three things: get them to and from tournaments safely, see that they are well fed, and most importantly, don’t F with their swings!”
So I didn’t get much from him, but I did follow Harman that day. It was a Saturday in early April and a big storm had blown through the night before. The wind was gusting all day, the course had casual water everywhere, and the temperature had dropped into the 30’s. It was brutal. Our guys struggled and finished in the bottom half. Brian Harman destroyed the course, shooting a 66 in the worst conditions to take Low Medalist. He was phenomenal and scrambled around like a pro at Carnoustie. I’ve been a fan ever since and I’ll enjoy watching to see if he can finish breaking through for a first Major.
Couldn’t help but wax nostalgic. I got those old Taylor Mades when I graduated from college. They had square groves and the 8, 9, and PW would cut three groves into the face of the old Titleist 100s. They could put the back-up on those balatas. I started playing a Precept at the recommendation of a buddy that worked at Edwin Watts. More durable but a little softer feel.
