Harman has not played well since a family friend died following an accident involving his son. At Royal Portrush this week, he has found a rhythm.

Harman wants more and, though 36 holes of the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, he’s put himself in position to hoist the Claret Jug for a second time thanks to a second-round 65 on Thursday. That put him in the lead at 8-under par as some of the players with later tee times, such as Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm, were teeing off.

Harman won the 2023 Open and is contending again at Royal Portrush, but his introduction to links golf was rocky, at best.