American Brian Harman wins first major at The Open

HOYLAKE, England -- After American Brian Harman hit his opening tee shot of the final round of the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Sunday, someone in the grandstands shouted, "Hit it in the bunkers!"

When Harman, who came into the round with a 5-stroke lead, pushed his approach shot right of the second green, there was an audible cheer from the gallery.

After Harman grabbed a 5-stroke lead with a 5-under 67 in the second round on Friday, it seemed like all of Great Britain wanted anyone to win but him. He had turned England's Super Bowl into a first-half rout and never relinquished the lead.

Harman, the 26th-ranked player in the world, finished his surprising run at…