The Pro: Lessons from My Father about Golf and Life

I had the pleasure of riding in an elevator with Butch Harmon at a hotel near the PGA merchandise show in Orlando several years ago. I was a little intimidated I must admit, and later realized I was staying on the same floor as Butch. Butch joked with me about the fact that I was wearing a tie on the ride up in the elevator. I did not know how to react I just laughed with him. I am not sure if he knew that I knew he was Butch Harmon. At the time I knew he was Tiger's coach and knew he was a great teacher of the game. It may not have been clear to him I was staying at the hotel to attend the PGA show. He joked with me and seemed like a great personality. Butch is down to earth and can offer more knowledge about this game than practically any living person. This story is similar to the game of golf. Filled with highs and lows and very humbling. We can all learn a great deal from Butch about golf and life. If I ever see him again I hope to offer him praise and thank him for a great read ! Thank you Butch I really appreciate your story.

In his other books, Butch Harmon writes a great deal about his father, as well as the Harmons' relationships with the greatest golfers of the mid-20th century. Here, we get much more than simply another family history. Rather, we get a son's perspective on his father, who was both parent and teacher to him. That said, this is, after all, the story of a golf club pro, and one of only a handfull in the modern age of golf to have one a major championship. While we get a great deal of history, the main focus is on how Claude Harmon Sr. taught both his sons and his pupils, as well as how those lessons have been passed down the line. There is also a fair amount of perspective on Butch Harmon's relationship with Tiger Woods, then and now. As a bonus, we get yet a rare perspective on Ben Hogan, who was a family friend to the Harmons. This book can be read as either history or as an essay on teaching the game. However it is read, most golf fans will enjoy the tales herein.

I enjoyed this book tremendously! Butch Harmon tells it like it is, without pulling any puches! This is a story that needed to be told; it really gives us insight into the world of professional golf.

If you follow golf you know the name of Claude " Butch" Harmon. He's a household name. But, little did I know about his father's influence on all his children and friends. Isn't it refreshing to see in the age of prima donnas and in the me, me, me world that we get a story about a man who had values of being grounded, down to earth, caring and most importantly, giving. The chapter on "Don't Ever Mix Your Ego With Ignorance is classic revelation. This is an exceptional book about the life of Butch Harmon's father, Claude Harmon and his wit and wisdom on life. I was really touched by this reading. After reading the first chapter you won't be able to put it down and after you finish it you'll be telling yourself what a insightful and profound man this Claude Harmon was. I think the most interesting writing Harmon Jr. shares with us is Claude's unconditional love, respect, honor, and passion of goodness to other people. This book reads as a tribute to a great man who did his best for his six children and was always there for them. What I loved about reading this was how open and candid Harmon writes about his father...the prose and memory of what his father said to him as a young child is endearing. The words and claritity Butch writes about feel real and jump off the page into your pysche. it's as if you really wanted to meet this man, his father, and get to know him. Interesting to note is Claude Sr's relationship with the legendary Ben Hogan. Hogan and Harmon had a friendship that was very close and unique. You couldn't find two more diverse personalities, but Butch Harmon sheds light on Hogan's caring and sensitive side. A side that never was written about or told. When Hogan visited the ailing Harmon and told him, "Claude, I just want to tell you that you were one of the best friends I ever had" it's a very poignant moment. And when Hogan heard word from Butch that Claude passed away he cries...these are events we would never expect Hogan to do or say. If you are a golf fan or not, please take time out to read this. You will not only get Claude Sr's unique life lessons or "pearls" as Butch Harmon calls them, but you will get a brutally honest look inside Claude Harmon Sr. and Butch Harmon. I'm a golfer...err golf nut...and have been playing for over 24 years. If I ever had the great honor and privilege to ever take a lesson from the 'great' Butch Harmon I would have the feeling, realization, and awareness that not only Butch would be looking at my swing, but his special and unforgettable father as well. That's a testament to the knowledge that Butch gained over the years being with his father and absorbing priceless teaching skills to golfers of any level. Thanks "Butch" for a great book.