Open leader Brian Harman receives 'unique' criticism from Hoylake fans

Brian Harman said that between him and a 'good friend' Tommy Fleetwood. Photo: Getty Images/Richard Heathcote.

Open leader Brian Harman said he was getting 'unique' comments from fans at Hoylake as he managed to maintain his five-shot lead.

The crowd at Royal Liverpool were raucously voicing their support for Southport player and Everton fan Tommy Fleetwood, and the American confirmed hearing disparaging comments while playing against the hometown favorite.

Another crowd favorite, Rory McIlroy, also had a tough day, missing out on 18th place and refusing to speak to the press after seeing his chances of winning his first Open Championship in nine years plummeted.

When asked how he felt facing such a hostile crowd, Harman said, “Tommy and I have been friends for a long time. I knew he was here, so I'm not saying I was fully prepared for it, but I knew he would have a lot of support. It's nice to see so many passionate fans of Mr. Tommy.

«I'd be lying if I didn't hear some things that weren't very kind to me,» Harman said.

«I hear them, but at the same time, I'm not trying to let it influence the decision I'm about to make.» When asked what exactly he heard, he said: «It's unique.»

Fleetwood, meanwhile, acknowledges that Harman is now the clear favorite for the Claret Pitcher, but he remains hopeful of getting his first Major despite being seven shots behind.

World No. 21, who took a second consecutive round at 71 to stay five under the five-man tie for fourth, said, «Overall, it was disappointing.»

Harman threw shots in the first and fourth, but he responded superbly with birdies in the fifth, ninth, 12th and 13th to keep a five-pin. But the American, who failed to close out a victory in his only other third-round lead — albeit by just one strike — in the 2017 US Open major, takes nothing for granted.

However, he said his hunting hobby helped him mentally prepare . “Patience and strategy (hunting) definitely (helped),” he said.

“When I go out hunting turkeys, I can spend all day there. Hunting is another activity that makes me lose track of time.”

McIlroy failed to make a bird for the last time and finished the day three short. John Rahm, in contrast, soared up the leaderboard, joining Cameron Young as top contender behind Brian Harman.

The Spaniard Rahm was by far the most impressive player, racking up a staggering 63 that eclipsed compatriot Sev Ballesteros' best open round 64 at Turnberry in 1986.

However, Harman remains in command. Only two players in history have lost a five-shot lead after 54 holes at the Open Championship: McDonald Smith in 1925 and Jean van de Velde at Carnoustie in 1999.