Background
Harper was born, raised and lived his entire life in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Harper was born, raised and lived his entire life in Portsmouth, Virginia.
He was prominent in Virginia golf, winning the Virginia State Amateur three times (1930, 1932, 1934) and the Virginia State Open nine times (1932, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1952, 1960, 1967, 1968, 1970), a record which stands today. His golfing career was interrupted by service in the United States. Navy during World World War World War II Harper"s competitive career lasted from 1938 to 1955. And like most professional golfers of his generation, he spent most of his time as a club professional.
Harper compensated for his lack of driving distance with a strong short game.
Ben Hogan said that Harper was the best putter on Tour. After Curtis Strange"s father died when he was 14, Harper became Strange"s mentor.
He was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1973 and to the Professional Golf Association Hall of Fame in 1968. In 1956, Harper founded Bide-A-Wee Golf Course in his hometown of Portsmouth, and managed the course until he retired in 1992.
He died at the age of 90 of complications from pneumonia.
Professional Golf Association Tour wins (7) 1942 (1) Miami Biltmore International Four-Ball (with Herman Keiser) Other wins (12) Senior wins Wins (1).