History of Butch Harmon in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 13, 2025

Butch Harmon Jr. is a renowned American golf instructor and former professional golfer. He is best known for coaching some of the biggest names in golf, including Tiger Woods (during his most dominant period), Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Rickie Fowler. Harmon's teaching philosophy focuses on adapting to each player's unique swing and natural abilities rather than imposing a rigid technique. His emphasis on simplicity, course management, and mental toughness has contributed significantly to the success of his students. Harmon's reputation is built on his ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with his players, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in golf instruction.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1918: Alice Harmon Born

In 1918, Alice Harmon, Butch Harmon's mother, was born.

August 28, 1943: Butch Harmon Born

On August 28, 1943, Claude "Butch" Harmon Jr. was born, who would later become an accomplished American golf instructor and former professional player.

1947: Dick Harmon Born

In 1947, Dick Harmon, one of Butch Harmon's younger brothers, was born. He also became a golf professional.

1948: Claude Harmon, Sr. Wins Masters Tournament

In 1948, Butch Harmon's father, Claude Harmon, Sr., won the Masters Tournament, marking a significant achievement in his career.

1962: Butch Harmon Graduates High School

In 1962, Butch Harmon graduated from New Rochelle High School.

1968: Harmon Earns PGA Tour Playing Privileges

In 1968, Butch Harmon earned PGA Tour playing privileges at the APG Tour Qualifying School.

1970: Alice Harmon Death

In 1970, Alice Harmon, Butch Harmon's mother, passed away.

1971: Harmon Wins Broome County Open

In 1971, Butch Harmon won the inaugural Broome County Open, which was a PGA Tour satellite event.

1977: Dick Harmon at River Oaks Country Club

In 1977, Dick Harmon became the golf professional at the River Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas, a position he held until 2001.

1993: Harmon Begins Coaching Tiger Woods

In 1993, Butch Harmon started his tenure as Tiger Woods's golf coach, a partnership that would last until 2004.

2001: Dick Harmon Leaves River Oaks

In 2001, Dick Harmon left his position as golf professional at the River Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas.

2003: Harmon Ranked Top Golf Teacher

In 2003, Butch Harmon was ranked as the top golf teacher in the United States by Golf Digest magazine.

2004: Harmon Ends Coaching Tiger Woods

In 2004, Butch Harmon ended his time as golf coach for Tiger Woods.

February 10, 2006: Dick Harmon Dies

On February 10, 2006, Dick Harmon, Butch Harmon's brother, passed away at the age of 58 from pneumonia.

2006: Dick Harmon Death

In 2006, Dick Harmon, one of Butch Harmon's younger brothers and also a golf professional, passed away.

2007: Harmon Begins Coaching Phil Mickelson

In 2007, Butch Harmon began coaching Phil Mickelson, a partnership that continued until 2015.

2015: Harmon Ends Coaching Phil Mickelson

In 2015, Butch Harmon concluded his time as golf coach for Phil Mickelson.

2019: Harmon Semi-Retires from Tour Coaching

In 2019, Butch Harmon semi-retired from coaching on the tour, prior to which he had been coaching Jimmy Walker, Dustin Johnson, and Gary Woodland.

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