“I’ve started to really figure out that golf is the thing I do that makes time go by fast,” said Brian Harman after recording his first major victory in 2023. The golfer, who turned professional in 2010, witnessed ups and downs in his career, but what kept him going was his passion for the sport. But interestingly, the development in his personal life has also turned out to be a great support for his professional career.
Fans often spot a familiar face in the gallery during some of Harman’s biggest moments—a presence that’s become somewhat of a lucky charm. Whether cheering quietly from the sidelines or offering encouragement away from the cameras, she’s been there through it all. That’s his wife, Kelly Van Slyke. But how did their story begin? And what’s the secret behind the bond that’s helped fuel one of golf’s most quietly consistent performers? Let’s find out!
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A Love That Grew with the Game
Brian Harman and family, who have showcased some of the cutest memories on the course with three kids, have been together officially for a decade now. The story of Brian Harman and Kelly Van Slyke began long before the PGA Tour spotlight ever found him. The couple first met in 2010, just as Harman was finding his footing in professional golf. What started as a shared connection soon blossomed into something much deeper. After nearly four years of dating, filled with travel, tournaments, and the chaos of tour life, Harman decided to propose in his own quirky style: by hiding the ring in a pair of Kelly’s pants and secretly recording her reaction.
Later that year, the two sealed the deal on a date that’s as unforgettable as their story—12/13/14. (Yes, that was intentional.) While Kelly had initially wanted a November wedding, the sequential date won out, adding another fun chapter to their growing tale.
The duo shares a great bond of support for each other, and it is seen when they are spotted together at the course. If Slyke is not at the course to support, she is definitely cheering from home. But the fact is, her presence at the course has helped the golfer in turning victory to his side.
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Brian Harman’s performance when Slyke is present at the course
After turning professional in 2009, Brian Harman played on the EGolf Professional Tour. But in 2012, after getting the PGA Tour card, he even got the opportunity to participate at the PLAYERS Championship when D. A. Points withdrew last minute just after the event teed off. Fortunately, the PGA Tour allowed him as the first alternative, and with his performance, he made the cut and finished at T51.
Well, this is the story of the usual performance, but what’s interesting is how his performance evolves when Kelly Van Slyke is on the stands. Take, for instance, the 2014 John Deere Classic. Two years after his first PGA Tour appearance. The golfer was struggling with the mix of results; he secured multiple top 5s and top 10s but could not clinch his first victory. However, with her better half in support at the John Deere Classic, the golfer shot rounds of 63-68-65-66 to seal his first PGA Tour victory.
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And even at the 2023 Open Championship, the golfer has impressed with his performance. Brian scored 13 under 271 to clinch his first major win. Well, notably, Slyke was in support at the event too. Another instance to remember is Brian’s win at the Wells Fargo Championship, where along with the pair, their daughter Cooper was also present to cheer for her father.
However, there’s still one milestone Harman is yet to conquer. Despite all his success, there’s one stage where the stars haven’t fully aligned: Augusta National. The Masters remains a box left unchecked, with Harman’s best finish being T12 in 2021. But as he heads toward his seventh appearance in 2025—riding the momentum of a strong outing at the Valero Texas Open—fans can’t help but wonder: Could this be his year? And perhaps more importantly: will Kelly and the kids be there, ready to cheer him on from the sidelines? Only time will tell, but if history has shown us anything, it is that having Kelly by his side might just make all the difference.
