Ruthless criticism from fans has done nothing to dampen Brian Harman’s spirit. The 37-year-old was subject to much ridicule after Jim Furyk picked him over others (read, Justin Thomas) for the Presidents Cup. But Harman hasn’t let that touch his competitive spirit. 

Let’s face it. The Presidents Cup has long been a one-sided battle since its inception in 1994. Team USA won 11 of the 13 Presidents Cup games, with their lone loss coming in Melbourne way back in 1998. 

That promise of a duel never really materialized as the Stars and Stripes overtly dominated over the International team. The only tie came in 2003 when both captains – Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player – decided to call it a day due to poor light. 

There have been sporadic high-dramas – the Phil Mickelson rules controversy, Mike Weir’s shock win over Tiger Woods – but nothing stopped the march of the USA. So, Harman, while talking about the atmosphere, didn’t leave an opportunity to throw a slight dig at the International team, and their fans. “They will be rowdy up there… These guys are hungry man. They have been getting a** whipped in the same forever.”

So, there will be a hostile environment. Harman is not afraid of it. But he harbors no delusion that his team needs to bring out the ‘dog’ in them. “You know they have got all the juice, so, that’s up to us to get up there and not let them get rolling.”

Of course, Brian Harman, himself, will play a role in that. What about Max Homa? Will we see the famed pairing at Royal Montreal Golf Club too? The three-time PGA Tour winner certainly hopes so. 

Brian Harman excited about pairing with ‘Gangster’ Max Homa

Harman and Homa were one of the few bright spots from the Rome trip last year. The two thrashed Sepp Straka and Shane Lowry  4 & 2 on Saturday morning. Once again, captain Zach Johnson paired them together in the afternoon session. They didn’t disappoint, defeating Tommy Fleetwood and Nicolai Hojgaard 2 & 1. 

What about this time? Harman is not sure but is eagerly waiting for it. “He [Max Homa] is such a gangster. He is so good.” The Ryder Cup cemented their friendship as Harman spoke about it earlier as well. “We bonded—it felt like we made like eight years of memories in a day it felt like,” the former Open champion gushed at that time. 

Ironically, both have faced backlash from fans because of the current form. Before traveling to Canada, Max Homa has a chance to nullify the concern at the Procore Championship. Brian Harman, on the other hand, has to prove the critics wrong at Montreal.