[2] He was a semi-finalist three times in the PGA Championship competing as a club pro against full-time tour players.

In 1959, he was hired as the head professional at Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, where he served for over a decade.

In addition, his sons Craig and Bill all occupy spots in Golf Digest's "top 50 teachers" list.

His third eldest son Dick (1947–2006) was also a top golf instructor, as is grandson Claude Harmon III.

[1] 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.