Butch Harmon

Butch Harmon, born Butch Harmon Jr. in 1943, is an American professional golf coach and former golfer who revolutionized modern golf instruction. The son of legendary golfer Claude Harmon, Butch inherited a deep knowledge of the golf swing and built upon it through decades of meticulous study and innovation. His coaching career reached its zenith when he became Tiger Woods' swing coach in 1993, helping Woods refine his technique during Woods' phenomenal rise to dominance in the late 1990s and 2000s. Beyond Woods, Harmon has coached numerous major champions including Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, and Greg Norman, establishing himself as perhaps the most sought-after golf instructor of his generation. Known for his detailed analysis, technical precision, and ability to communicate complex swing mechanics clearly, Harmon became a ubiquitous presence on television commentating major tournaments. His influence on professional golf instruction cannot be overstated—he fundamentally shaped how modern golfers understand and execute the golf swing. Harmon's legacy includes not only the major championships his students won but also his democratization of golf knowledge through media appearances and instruction.