Brian Harman Faces Drug Test After Stellar 65 at The Open, Sparking Curiosity at Royal Portrush

The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush has already delivered its share of surprises, but few were as unexpected as former champion Brian Harman being hauled in for a drug test following his sensational second-round performance. The American, who claimed the Claret Jug in 2023, shot a bogey-free six-under-par 65, placing him in a tie for third at eight-under alongside China’s Haotong Li, just two shots behind leader Scottie Scheffler. The decision to test Harman, a routine procedure in professional sports, has sparked intrigue among fans and commentators, with many wondering what prompted the move and how it reflects on the sport’s rigorous anti-doping measures. As Harman navigates the pressure of contending for a second Open title, his candid remarks and steady demeanor have only fueled the conversation around his remarkable resurgence.

Harman’s round was a masterclass in links golf, executed under challenging conditions at Royal Portrush. Starting the day at two-under, he notched three birdies in his first seven holes and added three more on the back nine, finishing with a flourish on the 18th. His bogey-free 65 echoed his dominant performance at Royal Liverpool in 2023, where he also shot a second-round 65 en route to a six-shot victory. That year, Harman faced scrutiny not only for his golf but for his hunting hobby, earning the nickname “Butcher of Hoylake” from British tabloids. This time, at Portrush, the focus shifted to his unexpected drug test, a standard but noteworthy procedure that caught the attention of fans on social media platforms like Facebook, where posts about the incident have gained traction.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Harman addressed his performance and mindset with characteristic pragmatism. “I can’t get too far ahead of myself,” he said, emphasizing his focus on the present. “The only thing I’m really worried about is the first tee ball tomorrow, and then I’ll try to hit the next one up there close to the flag.” This measured approach, which he described as “very boring,” has been a hallmark of his success. Reflecting on his 2023 triumph, Harman noted the similarities in his game plan, saying, “They’re very different golf courses, but the golf is similar. I’ll approach the weekend the same way. I’m not trying to be heroic or do anything crazy. I know that I’ve got the game to do it, and it’s just a matter of executing and staying in my own head.” His comments underscore a disciplined mindset that has kept him in contention despite the intense scrutiny of a major championship.

The drug test itself, while routine, added an element of curiosity to Harman’s story. As reported by The Sun, Harman was summoned by the anti-doping team to provide a urine sample, a common practice in golf and other sports to ensure a level playing field. “That is because, just like at Royal Liverpool, Harman was hauled in by the anti-doping team to check his pee – a common test for golfers as in other sports,” the article noted. The timing, following such a stellar round, raised eyebrows, with some fans speculating about the selection process. However, Harman’s history suggests no cause for concern; his 2023 Open victory was a testament to his skill and mental fortitude, and he has maintained a clean record throughout his career. The test, while a procedural formality, has nonetheless amplified interest in his performance, making his pursuit of a second Claret Jug a focal point for social media engagement.

Harman’s hunting background, which resurfaced in discussions at Portrush, added another layer to his narrative. When asked about his controversial hobby, which had drawn criticism in 2023, he remained unapologetic. “Yeah, big hunter, big fisherman,” he told reporters. “I didn’t realise that everyone was so upset about it. It’s a hill I’ll die on. I’ll sleep like a baby at night.” This defiance, coupled with his on-course brilliance, has made Harman a polarizing yet compelling figure. His ability to compartmentalize—keeping his off-course passions separate from his golf—has been a strength, as he explained: “I’m a very compartmentalised guy, though. I’m not thinking about hunting when I’m golfing.” This mental clarity has evidently served him well, as evidenced by his bogey-free round and his position near the top of the leaderboard.

The leaderboard itself tells a story of fierce competition. Scottie Scheffler leads at 10-under after a brilliant 64, with Matt Fitzpatrick one shot back at nine-under. Harman and Li, both at eight-under, are joined by a chasing pack that includes Tyrrell Hatton, Robert MacIntyre, Rasmus Hojgaard, Chris Gotterup, and Harris English at five-under. Rory McIlroy, at three-under, remains in the hunt despite struggles off the tee. Harman’s performance stands out not only for its score but for its context; unlike his five-shot lead at the halfway point in 2023, this year’s Open is tighter, with Scheffler and Fitzpatrick posing immediate threats. Harman acknowledged the challenge, saying, “I would love to have a similar weekend and just play great the whole way through.” His focus on execution over heroics could be key in navigating the pressure-packed weekend.

Social media has played a significant role in amplifying this story, particularly on platforms like Facebook, where posts about Harman’s drug test and performance have sparked lively discussions. The combination of his stellar play, the unexpected test, and his unapologetic stance on hunting has created a narrative that resonates with fans, from casual viewers to golf purists. The Sun’s report, shared widely online, noted Harman’s history of resilience, referencing his 2023 victory: “Harman led by five shots at the midway point two years ago and ran away with it over the weekend.” This context has fueled speculation about whether he can repeat that dominance, with fans debating his chances against Scheffler’s relentless form.

Harman’s journey at Royal Portrush is also a testament to his growth as a player. Since his 2023 Open win, he has added a victory at the 2025 Texas Open, proving his ability to perform under pressure. His coach, Justin Parsons, has praised his alignment work and short-game prowess, which were evident in his six birdies at Portrush. Harman’s ability to rebound from setbacks, such as his early struggles with links golf, has shaped his approach. “I had a stretch where I missed four cuts in a row at The Open and just couldn’t quite get it figured out,” he admitted in a 2024 interview, reflecting on his evolution. “It’s a thinking-man’s game. You have to be able to hit every single type of golf shot.” This adaptability has positioned him as a contender once again.

As the Open Championship moves into its final rounds, Harman’s story is one to watch. The drug test, while a procedural footnote, has added an element of intrigue, drawing parallels to his 2023 experience when he faced both praise and criticism. His candid remarks—whether about his “boring” approach, his love for hunting, or his focus on the next shot—paint a picture of a golfer unfazed by external noise. For fans, the combination of his on-course excellence and off-course authenticity makes him a compelling figure, one whose every move is likely to generate buzz on social media. Whether he can outlast Scheffler, Fitzpatrick, and the chasing pack remains to be seen, but Harman’s performance and the surrounding drama have already made the 2025 Open a tournament to remember.[](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/14758082/brian-harman-drug-tested-the-open/)