Brian Harman’s first experience with international match play was the 2023 Ryder Cup, where he played for the U.S. in front of huge, partisan galleries in Italy.
He expects no less enthusiasm from Canadian fans next week when the University of Georgia graduate and St. Simons Island, Ga., resident plays for the U.S. in the Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Sept. 26-29.
“I expect it to be a hostile crowd against an incredibly talented team,” Harman told the Times-Union of his first venture on a Presidents Cup team. “Canadian golf fans are very knowledgeable and they love the sport. Some people have written off the International team in the past. We can’t write them off this team.”
That’s mainly because beloved Canadian Mike Weir is the captain, and he has three countrymen playing for him, Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, and Taylor Pendrith. Add Presidents Cup veterans such as Hideki Matsuyama of Japan and Adam Scott and Jason Day of Australia, and the solid South Korean team of Tom Kim and Si Woo Kim.
“I expect it to be a dogfight,” Harman said. “We need to play really well. The International team has not had a lot of success [the U.S. holds a 12-1-1 lead and the only International victory was 26 years ago] but they’re hungry and they’re going to play with a lot of emotion.”
Harman had his moments in the Ryder Cup. He combined with Max Homa to win two doubles matches on Saturday, giving the U.S. a fighting chance. Homa is back on the Presidents Cup team, as are the usual team leaders, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Patrick Cantlay, and Wyndham Clark.
“The Ryder Cup was a huge learning curve,” Harman said. “Until you actually get there and play, it’s hard to know what you’re getting yourself into. I had an incredible time.”
Harman said he also expects the U.S. team to take on the personality of its captain, Jim Furyk of Jacksonville.
Max Homa and Brian Harman of Team United States celebrate winning their match 4&2 on the 16th green during the Saturday morning foursomes matches of the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf Club on September 30, 2023, in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
“Jim is very calm, very even-keeled but a fierce competitor,” Harman said. “I think this team will mirror that. Jim’s an excellent leader and we’ve had a lot of communication. We’ll really rally behind him.”
Harman hasn’t won since the 2023 British Open at Royal Liverpool. He came a shot away from taking Scheffler to a playoff in The Players Championship, tying for second, had two other top-10 finishes and atoned for a missed cut in the Masters by tying for 26th in the PGA and for 21st in the U.S. Open, before a tie for 60th in his Open title defense.
Harman was one spot away on the FedEx Cup points list to qualify for the Tour Championship and views the Presidents Cup as motivation to get his game in shape for 2025 — although he will play in least one FedEx Cup Fall tournament, the RSM Classic in his backyard at the Sea Island Club Nov. 21-24.
“I didn’t want my year to be over with,” he said. “I’m ready to work and get my game as good as I can.”
