BRIAN HARMAN admits arriving at Royal Troon as an Open champion will feel sweet after being eaten alive at Prestwick.
The American will return to Ayrshire with the Claret Jug following his magnificent 2023 success at Hoylake.
But it wasn't linked love at first sight with his opening effort an unmitigated disaster.
Back in 2006, as a college kid, Harman was part of a US side annihilated by Europe in the Arnold Palmer Cup.
Tagged Brian the Butcher at Hoylake, the lefty was slaughtered and said: "It ate me to pieces. I got whipped over there, I got killed, lost all my matches.
"I'd just like to not have to hit it right-handed off that wall because I felt like I did that four straight days! The train tracks and that wall ate my lunch off that first tee.
"Now I absolutely love it. It's a thinking man's game.
This story is from the May 01, 2024 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 01, 2024 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
UP BEATS CUP
Gordon says survival beats silver double... but he never wants to go through it again
It's goodnight from me and it's good knight from him
Maolida's time in Leith looks up but loanee tips Gray to ride to Hibs' rescue if installed
Bob's earned his stars and stripes.. let's hope days of feeling alien are behind him
Monty convinced Major show can boost Scot's sense of belonging
I've known Neil since 18, it was us against the world... you can't throw that away
FOR most people, going to work every day with your ex would be considered a fate worse than death.
NAVY NUMPTY
Lieutenant narrowly avoids jail for failing to spot 12,000-ton tanker
£45bn family vision is the business for Kate
Foundation could save UK economy a fortune
MUM'S THE WORLD
Scots catwalk queen Eunice Olumide reveals why she kept wedding and imminent birth of baby top secret until now
I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT REAL MARTHA
Jessica stays out of detective work
Sturgeon: My resignation a coincidence of timing
Former first minister opens up on storm since quitting
SICKENING
Teenager left bloodied by mob who tried to set her hair on fire as they filmed attack on their phones