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Claude Harmon

Eugene Claude Harmon Sr. (July 14, 1916 – July 23, 1989) was an American professional golfer and golf instructor.

Early life and amateur career

Harmon was born in Savannah, Georgia. He spent much of his boyhood in Florida, in the Orlando area. A youthful prodigy, he qualified for the U.S. Amateur at age 15 in 1931.

Professional career

Harmon was a club professional when he won the 1948 Masters Tournament by five shots to earn $2,500. He was a semi-finalist three times in the PGA Championship competing as a club pro against full-time tour players. Claude Harmon also finished in third place at the 1959 U.S. Open, which was held at his home course at Winged Foot.

From 1945 to 1978, Harmon was the head professional at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York, and also served as the winter professional for many years at the Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Florida. In 1959, Harmon played in the U.S. Open at Winged Foot and placed third. In 1959, he was hired as the head professional at Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, where he served for over a decade. Lastly, he took a club job in Texas in the Houston area.

Personal life

Harmon had four sons and two daughters. All of his sons became golf professionals and instructors. His son Claude Harmon Jr. − better known as Butch Harmon − is among the most famous golf coaches of all time and has served as the coach for Greg Norman and Tiger Woods. In addition, his sons Craig and Bill have been noted in Golf Digests "top 50 teachers" list. His third eldest son Dick (1947–2006) was also a top golf instructor, as is grandson Claude Harmon III.

Harmon was one of the few close friends of legendary star Ben Hogan, and the two played together frequently and worked together on their games.

Harmon died of heart failure following surgery in Houston, Texas at the age 73.

Awards and honors

  • Harmon is a member of the World Golf Teachers' Hall of Fame
  • Harmon is a member of the PGA of America Hall of Fame.

Professional wins (15)

PGA Tour wins (1)

Source:

Major championship is shown in bold.

Other wins (14)

this list may be incomplete

Major championships

Wins (1)

Results timeline

NT = no tournament<br> WD = withdrew<br> DQ = disqualified<br> CUT = missed the half-way cut<br> R64, R32, R16, QF, SF = Round in which player lost in PGA Championship match play<br> "T" indicates a tie for a place

Summary

  • Most consecutive cuts made – 12 (1948 Open Championship – 1953 Masters)
  • Longest streak of top-10s – 2 (twice)

References

  • "Claude Harmon", Almanac of Famous People, 8th ed. Gale Group, 2003.

External links