Hello, Golf fans! If you love following the Golf and admire world-class, Brian Harman is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Brian Harman is a fascinating figure in professional golf—a gritty, determined competitor who proves you don’t need to be the biggest guy on the course to be the best. Known for his tenacity, his unique “waggle” pre-shot routine, and his love for the outdoors, Harman has cemented his legacy as a major champion. Below is a complete breakdown of his life, career, and earnings.
Brian Harman’s Biography
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Brian Eric Harman |
| Nickname | The Butcher |
| Born | January 19, 1987 |
| Age | 38 |
| College | University of Georgia |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Turned Pro | 2009 |
| Net Worth | ~$15 Million |
| Salary | (Avg. $3M-$5M/year) |
| Spouse | Kelly Van Slyke |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @harmanbrian |
Early Career
Brian Harman was a dominant force in amateur golf long before he reached the big leagues. Growing up in Savannah, Georgia, he made waves by winning the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2003, joining an elite club of winners like Tiger Woods.
He carried that momentum to the University of Georgia, where he became a three-time Second Team All-American. His collegiate career was stellar, highlighted by winning the 2005 NCAA Preview and helping the U.S. win two Walker Cups (2005, 2009). He turned professional in 2009, already looking like a seasoned veteran.
Professional Career
Harman’s professional journey is defined by grit and steady progression rather than overnight stardom. After cutting his teeth on the eGolf Tour, he earned his PGA Tour card in 2012. His first victory came at the 2014 John Deere Classic, proving he could close out tournaments against the best.
He added another trophy at the 2017 Wells Fargo Championship, defeating world-class players like Dustin Johnson. However, his career-defining moment arrived in 2023 when he dominated The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, winning by six strokes to claim his first major title. This victory silenced critics and elevated him to golf’s elite tier, earning him a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team.
Wife
Brian Harman is happily married to Kelly Van Slyke, a radiation therapist. The couple tied the knot on December 13, 2014, near their home in Georgia. They have built a beautiful family together and are parents to three children: a daughter named Cooper Marie, and two sons, Walter and Jack. The family is frequently seen celebrating with him on the 18th green after his victories.
Brian Harman’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Brian Harman has an estimated net worth of around $15 million. This wealth comes primarily from his consistent PGA Tour earnings, where he has collected over $32 million in career prize money, boosted significantly by his massive $3 million payday from The Open Championship victory and steady endorsement income.
Prize Money
| Year | Official Money Earned |
| 2025 | ~$2,100,000 (Season in progress) |
| 2024 | $4,842,876 |
| 2023 | $9,188,976 |
| 2022 | $2,636,399 |
| 2021 | $3,060,747 |
| 2020 | $1,461,246 |
| 2019 | $1,342,778 |
| 2018 | $2,625,008 |
| 2017 | $3,186,458 |
| 2016 | $1,299,801 |
| 2015 | $1,548,352 |
| 2014 | $2,315,484 |
| 2013 | $909,759 |
| 2012 | $1,146,448 |
Endorsements
- MegaCorp Logistics: His primary front-of-hat sponsor; he has been with this logistics firm since 2018 and frequently appears in their marketing.
- Titleist: He is a longtime brand ambassador, playing a full bag of Titleist clubs (Driver, Irons, Wedges) and using the Pro V1 ball.
- Summit Golf Brands (Zero Restriction / B.Draddy): He wears apparel from these high-end brands, known for their technical performance and classic style.
- FootJoy: He wears FootJoy golf shoes, specifically the Tour Alpha model, for stability during his swing.
- NetJets: Like many top-tier pros who travel constantly, he has a partnership with the private aviation company.
Career Records
| Tournament / Record | Result | Notable Details |
| The Open Championship (2023) | Winner | Won by 6 strokes; dominated the field at Royal Liverpool. |
| U.S. Open (2017) | T-2nd | Finished runner-up to Brooks Koepka at Erin Hills. |
| Wells Fargo Championship (2017) | Winner | Held off Dustin Johnson and Pat Perez to win by one stroke. |
| John Deere Classic (2014) | Winner | First PGA Tour victory; beat Zach Johnson by one stroke. |
| Ryder Cup (2023) | 2-2-0 | Notable rookie performance for Team USA in Rome. |
| PGA Tour Playoffs | Top 30 | Consistent qualifier for the Tour Championship at East Lake. |
| Lowest Round | 61 | Shot a 61 at the 2012 Honda Classic (PGA National). |
FAQs
1. Why is Brian Harman called “The Butcher”?
He earned the nickname “The Butcher of Hoylake” from the British tabloids during his 2023 Open Championship win. It wasn’t just because he “butchered” the competition, but also because he is an avid hunter back home in Georgia who cleans his own game. He found the nickname hilarious and embraced it immediately.
2. What is the deal with his “Waggle” before he hits the ball?
Harman has a very distinct pre-shot routine where he “waggles” the clubhead back and forth multiple times—sometimes 10 or more—before swinging. It became a viral sensation, but he explains it’s a way to keep his rhythm and stay loose under pressure. It might look anxious, but it clearly works for him.
3. Is Brian Harman actually left-handed?
In golf, yes. In life, no. Brian is a natural right-hander who learned to play golf left-handed. This makes him a rare “cross-dominant” athlete, similar to Phil Mickelson, who is also a natural righty playing as a lefty.
4. Does he have any other hobbies besides golf?
He is a serious outdoorsman. When he isn’t on tour, you will almost certainly find him hunting deer, turkey, or elk, or fishing on the coast of Georgia. He has said that being in nature is his escape from the high-stress environment of professional golf.
5. What is his connection to the University of Georgia?
He is a die-hard Georgia Bulldog. He played college golf there and is a massive fan of the football team. He famously scheduled his wedding date to ensure it wouldn’t conflict with a big Georgia football game so his friends could attend.
6. How tall is Brian Harman compared to other golfers?
At 5’7″, he is one of the shortest players on the PGA Tour. In an era of 6-foot-plus bombers like Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler, Harman relies on accuracy, wedge play, and an elite putting game to compete.
7. Has he ever played in the Ryder Cup?
Yes, he made his Ryder Cup debut in 2023 in Rome. Despite being a rookie at age 36, he was one of the few bright spots for the American team, showing incredible fight and passion in his matches.
8. What equipment does he use?
He is a loyal Titleist staffer. He plays a Titleist driver (TSi2), T-Series irons, and Vokey wedges. However, for years he used a large, mallet-style TaylorMade Spider putter, which was the key weapon during his major championship victory.
9. Where does he live?
He resides in Sea Island, Georgia. This area is a famous enclave for pro golfers (like Davis Love III and Zach Johnson) because of its world-class practice facilities, privacy, and beautiful courses.
10. What was his “testy” interview moment?
After a frustrating round at the Masters, Harman gave a very short, one-sentence interview that went viral. When asked about his round, he simply said, “I played terrible,” and walked off. It showed his competitive fire and how much he cares about his performance, even if it wasn’t the friendliest media moment.