Brian Harman battled through adversity this week to win the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio, Texas. He finished at 9-under overall after he signed for a 3-over 75 to win by three shots.
Ryan Gerard was solo second at 6-under after beginning the day nine shots off Harman. Gerard posted a 3-under 69 to jump 15 spots on the leaderboard and claim the runner-up spot.
Meanwhile, Andrew Novak, who played with Harman in the final group on Sunday, could not get much of anything going. He finished the round with a 4-over 76 and tied for third with Maverick McNealy at 5-under.
After his round, Harman explained to NBC‘s Damon Hack why it was such a difficult week.
Harman reminded fans that things are bigger than golf. He revealed that a close family friend, Cathy Dowdy, was not doing well.
She was put into hospice care this week. Dowdy is a pivotal member of the Harman family as she helped take care of the children.
While he played at the Macau Open last year, his wife and Dowdy went on a family trip to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The Harman’s 6-year-old son, Walter, got ripped out to sea on a boogie board during that trip.
Dowdy attempted to save the young boy but suffered a brain injury and went into a coma. The little boy thankfully survived because Crane Cantrall, who witnessed the situation, rescued him.
Despite the cold and brutal winds on Sunday, Harman prevailed with a heavy heart.
He began the day with a birdie on the par-5 2nd before making two bogeys in the next four holes. The former Georgia Bulldog’s day got worse at the par 4 9th with a double bogey to turn in 39 strokes.
He sank two birdie putts at 12 and 14 but dropped two more shots with bogeys at 15 and 16. It was an up-and-down day for the former Open winner, but it was enough to finish the job.
His two par saves on 17 and 18 were massive, as Novak made back-to-back bogeys on them.
Harman prevailed to earn his first win of the season, but it was evident that her health status was on his mind.
This victory came at a good time, as The Masters is next week. Harman has not had a bad start to the 2025 season, with three Top 25 finishes.
Could it be a warm-up for him as he looks to win his second major championship?
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