University of Georgia Athletics
Bulldogs' Harman Claims Porter Cup Title
July 29, 2007 | Men's Golf
Harman, a native of Savannah, had a four-day total of 22-under-par 258 on the Niagara Falls Country Club layout. The 22-under figure wiped out the previous tournament record of 14-under set in 2003 by Casey Wittenberg. Harman won by nine shots, tying the tournament mark, over former Georgia teammate Chris Kirk.
“I really didn’t even know where I was until I looked up on No. 18, and I’m still just speechless,” Harman said. “I’m so proud of myself for the way I played this week. It’s just the accumulation of a lot of hard work. I couldn’t be happier. That’s the best golf I’ve ever played, that’s for sure.”
Harman set the tone for the tournament with an opening-round 6-under 64 and a second-round 5-under 65. Harman had been struggling recently with his putting, so he switched to a belly putter. In the five rounds using it, he’s 28-under.
“Needless to say I am very proud of Brian, and this is something he needed badly to get his confidence back,” Georgia head coach Chris Haack said. “I know he has been working hard, and it sounds like the belly putter has finally complemented his great ball-striking.”
“I’m just happy to be part of Porter Cup history,” Harman said. “I knew that the record was 14-under, but the only thing I was thinking about was winning the golf tournament. I didn’t care if it was by 10 or by one, as long as I got it done. I just stayed focused the whole way through and never let my guard down.”
The resounding win likely earned Harman a return trip to the Walker Cup. The United States team for the biennial event against Great Britain and Ireland will be named next week.
