Brian Harman doesn’t hesitate when he’s asked about his former Walker Cup partner, Anthony Kim, and just how legendary Kim’s game was years ago. He doesn’t mince words, either.
“If he’s not the best, he’s top-three most talented, incredible, just top-to-bottom golfer, ever,” Harman said.
Harman was the guest on this week’s GOLF Subpar Podcast, and he sat down with hosts Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz to talk about how he got into the game, Walker Cup matches, competing against the bombers on Tour and more.
Harman played on the 2005 and 2009 Walker Cup teams, and in 2005 he was paired with Kim for both foursomes (alternate shot) matches. Of course, Harman was asked about his experience playing with Kim, who rose to stardom but has morphed into somewhat of a mythical figure the last several years.
This story of Anthony Kim’s five-figure tip to a waitress will warm your heart
“It’s incredible what he could do,” Harman said. “He could hit it as far as anyone when he wanted to. His short game was just out of this world, and his iron shots — he choked down this far on an iron, and just mashed it. Every one was right out of the barrel. … He could do whatever he wanted to.”
Harman said at the 2005 Walker Cup he was shocked that he actually had to settle Kim’s nerves before their matches.
“We get out there the first day, and he’s like super nervous, and I’m like, I can’t believe I have to clam this guy down,” Harman said. “I’m like, ‘Anthony, you are so much better than anyone here. All you have to do is just keep breathing and we are going to wax these guys.'”
They halved that opening foursomes match on Saturday but Kim cruised in singles that afternoon, winning 6 and 5. Harman and Kim teamed up again on Sunday morning and won their foursomes match 4 and 2, and the U.S. won the showdown 12.5-11.5.
Knost also sided with Harman, adding Kim is the best he’s ever played with.
“I’m not kidding you,” he said, “day in, day out, it was just a joke.”
You can listen to the entire Subpar episode below.