Class of 2025

Craig Harmon

Residence: Rochester, N.Y.

For more than four decades, Craig Harmon served as the face of Oak Hill Country Club, guiding it through some of golf’s most historic moments and leaving an indelible mark on the game. From 1972 to 2013, Harmon served as head professional at Oak Hill, overseeing the club’s rise to international prominence and hosting eight major championships, including his personal favorite, the 1995 Ryder Cup, where Oak Hill became an epicenter of global golf.

Harmon, a New Rochelle native, was born into what has been called “the first family of golf.” The son of Claude Harmon Sr., the 1948 Masters champion, Craig grew up alongside brothers Butch, Dick, and Bill, all of whom became renowned teachers and professionals.

Under Harmon’s stewardship, Oak Hill Country Club became synonymous with championship golf. He played a pivotal role as host professional for multiple PGA Championships, U.S. Opens, and U.S. Senior Opens, ensuring that Oak Hill maintained its status as one of the premier venues in the country.

As an instructor, Harmon’s impact was equally profound. He served as the first and only coach of Jeff Sluman, the 1988 PGA Champion and 2022 NYSGA Hall of Fame inductee, shaping his game from junior golf through professional success. Harmon’s efforts earned him recognition as one of the nation’s top instructors, including being named to Golf Magazine’s Top 50 Teachers list and Golf Digest’s Top 25 Teaching Professionals.

Harmon’s contributions to the game have been widely celebrated. A four-time WNYPGA Teacher of the Year (1986, 1991, 1995, 2002), he also earned the WNYPGA Horton Smith Award (1993), the National PGA Professional of the Year (2004), and was inducted into both the WNYPGA Hall of Fame (2005) and the Oak Hill CC Hall of Fame (2003). In 2024, Harmon was further honored as a member of the inaugural class of the PGA of America Hall of Fame, a fitting capstone to an extraordinary career.

Known for his humility and passion, Harmon once remarked that his greatest privilege was “representing Oak Hill and sharing this game with generations of golfers.” His leadership, teaching excellence, and lifelong dedication have made him an influential figure in New York golf history.

Career Highlights

  • Club Pro at Oak Hill CC for 42 years 1972-2013
  • Host Pro for 8 major championships - his favorite was the 1995 Ryder Cup
  • He was Jeff Sluman’s first and only golf coach

    Honors

    • Co-Chairman, National PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit 1994

    • Chairman, National PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit 1996

    • WNYPGA Teacher of the Year 1986, 1991, 1995 and 2002

    • WNYPGA Horton Smith Award in 1993

    • WNYPGA Hall of Fame 2005

    • Inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame 2024 (Inaugural class with 122 members)

    • Inducted into the Oak Hill CC Hill of Fame 2003

    • National PGA Professional of the Year 2004