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Encountering alligators on the golf course in regions where they reside is not uncommon, but most individuals go out of their way to avoid them. However, Brian Harman is an exception to the norm.
Harman had a successful career as an amateur golfer at the University of Georgia before turning professional in 2009. He eventually earned a spot on the PGA Tour in 2012. While he has only won three tournaments on the circuit, his consistent play has resulted in career earnings of over $30 million. This includes the $3 million he won by triumphing at The British Open in 2023.
Harman’s victory at The British Open brought attention to his meticulous preshot routine, which some may find tedious. This approach to preparing for a swing may be linked to the patience he demonstrates while pursuing one of his favorite hobbies: hunting.
Harman is not the only professional athlete who enjoys hunting. While most athletes keep their work and play separate, he combined the two during a tournament in his younger days.
In 2003, Harman achieved a significant victory at the U.S. Junior Amateur Golf Championship. Other notable winners of this championship include Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Will Zalatoris, and Tiger Woods.
Two years later, Harman added to his accomplishments at the now-defunct Players Amateur in South Carolina. He tied a tournament record with a cumulative score of -17, finishing six strokes ahead of the rest of the field.
However, according to Cindy Miller, a former LGPA player-turned-instructor, Harman took a somewhat unnecessary risk before the tournament. Miller is married to Allen Miller, a former PGA Tour player and coach who also played golf at the University of Georgia. She shared a story about their wild adventures with Harman at the Players Amateur.
During a podcast, Miller recounted the following:
“One night, after what must have been a practice round, Allen called me and said, ‘Guess what we did last night?’ I asked, ‘What did you do?’
He replied, ‘I went out with Brian Harman. We went alligator hunting.’ I exclaimed, ‘You did what?’ He said, ‘We went alligator hunting. I didn’t go in the water, but I watched them.’ I asked, ‘Did they catch an alligator?’
He confidently said, ‘Of course they did. Do you want me to send you a picture? They caught an alligator with their bare hands.'”
In an interview with The Times, Harman confirmed the story but expressed regret, stating, “It’s not something I’m proud of. That was harassing wildlife. I regret doing that.”
I commend Harman for discouraging others from following in his footsteps. However, if I were to catch an alligator using only my hands and then go on to win a golf tournament by a significant margin, I would boast about that moment for the rest of my life.
According to the Source brobible.com