Brian Harman’s Triumph Turns Tragic Amid NBC Controversy

Brian Harman achieved one of the biggest moments of his career when he won the 2023 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool. The 38-year-old put in some excellent performances to beat the rest of the field by six strokes. This was a performance that should have been remembered for Harman’s incredible skill and focus. But instead, he became embroiled in a controversy due to his pre-shot routine, and Harman has now revealed how he was “done dirty” by NBC.

“Waggle Video” Left Herman Dismayed

Harman’s routine involves multiple waggles of the club before taking a shot. The American developed the habit in order to manage on-course anxiety. Harman’s unique waggle involved 12 driver movements before each swing. This attracted criticism from fans and broadcasters, and NBC even aired a video that pointed out this habit. Fans and critics criticized the video, much to the golfer’s dismay.

In an appearance on the NotSam podcast, Harman expressed his frustration and stated that NBC should have focused on his performance instead of his routine. He added that the network wanted to add drama to the tournament by scrutinizing his behavior.

“They did me so dirty…,” Harman said. “They’re like, ‘Well, let’s just make him look like an a------, instead.’ Biggest tournament of my life!”

Harman further explained that his waggle routine was a coping mechanism developed under the intense pressure of major tournaments. He noted that he had worked diligently to refine his routine to enhance both his performance and the viewing experience. Despite the success of his routine in improving the accuracy of his drives, Harman believes the broadcast company failed to acknowledge his improvements.

Debate Over NBC’s Broadcast of Harman’s Waggle Video

Harman’s revelation about how he felt about the broadcast in 2023 has sparked discussions about the balance between entertainment and respectful coverage in sports broadcasting. While broadcasters aim to engage audiences, many fans stressed the importance of considering the impact of their content on athletes’ reputations and mental well-being.