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Phil Harison Obituary
He died Sunday of natural causes, Augusta National Golf Club said.
Harison was one of two people to attend every Masters since it began in 1934, and he became a familiar voice to the many fans who grew accustomed to his Southern drawl and understated manner of announcing each player.
"Fore please, Jack Nicklaus now driving," he would say.
Harison recovered from a car accident that badly injured his back to serve as the starter one last time in 2007, mustering enough strength to announce only the first couple of groups.
Harison grew up in a house that was beyond the first green at Augusta National and has since been torn down. He joined his father and brother as a member when he was 21, and was a good golfer.
According to Golf Digest, he made a hole-in-one in separate rounds with Nicklaus and President Eisenhower, and he played several times with Bobby Jones, even as a teenager.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
33 Entries
Peter Ponta
July 18, 2017
When I first met Phil at a Travelers
Insurance seminar in the 90's, he
was so modest and genuine that
I knew not about his being the
Starter and long time Augusta
Member- all through lunch.
He was a quiet and gentle iconoclast
of golf, at the apex-at Augusta National.
An unforgettable man to me.
your granddauther Elizabeth
August 29, 2010
I love you Poppop
traci hentges
May 5, 2008
We are all thinking of you will never forget how special your family is to us. Traci Hentges and the rest of the Shock Trauma ICU staff.
Joe Ludes, Jr.
May 3, 2008
To the family, Although I only had one opportunity to meet Mr. Harison, it was very special indeed. He greeted me during the Monday practice round of the 2006 Masters and gave me a behind the scenes tour. This was due to his friendship with my Father, Joe Ludes, during his time as an assistant pro at the National in the late 40s. Mr. Harison was a great man and I am deeply saddened at his loss. Please know that he is in my prayers always.
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Kim and Danny LaSure
May 2, 2008
Cam, Phil, and Eleanor,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your dad was such a great man. Such a legacy in Augusta. He will be missed by all.
Gary Hughey
May 1, 2008
He was the definition of elegance: Grace and refinement in appearance, movement and manners. He was the essence of kindness. God bless the family.
Hank Sloan
May 1, 2008
He will be deeply missed. His impact has been substantial.
Pamela Witter
May 1, 2008
My deepest condolences to the Harison family. It is an honor to have had the opportunity to work with Mr. Harison through the Walton Foundation. His integrity and generous heart will shine in our community forever. A true Southern Gentleman.
veronica turner
April 30, 2008
Phil Jr., Cam, and Eleanor,
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Veronica
V.J. Naples
April 30, 2008
Phil. I was saddened to hear of your loss. Mr. Harison was one of the most honorable men in our community and respected by all.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Charles & Kim Myers
April 30, 2008
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Your Father was a very special man to have given so much of himself to others.
Franklin and Janet Stulb
April 30, 2008
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Nashell Green
April 30, 2008
Phil, Cam and Elenore. My sister is Berroca Nash the girl that helped take care of your father. She talked about him everyday. Mr. Phil cared a lot about his family . He will always be in our hearts and never forgotten.
The Falens
April 30, 2008
Heaven's perfect course awaits.
Susan Guillebeau
April 30, 2008
The Harison Family~
I am sorry for your loss. Although I never had the opportunity to meet him- I have heard many wonderful things around the office and am very blessed to have the opportunity to work at JSL- and hear about what positive things he has done in his life. We should all stride to do great things and be as wonderful of a person as he. My prayers are with the family during this time.
Allen Childs
April 30, 2008
Phil, Cam and Elenore. I am so sorry for your loss. Your Father and your Mother were so special to me. They were like parents to me for so many years. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Beverly Peltier
April 30, 2008
To the Harison Family:
I am saddened by the news of Mr. Harison's passing. He was always very personable and kind when we met. I know he will be greatly missed by all the lives he touched.
Beverly Barshafsky Peltier
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
April 30, 2008
REST IN PEACE, PHIL HARISON
Sheila Schweers Wallis
April 29, 2008
I offer my deepest condolences to the Harison family and to all the countless others who knew and loved Mr. Harison. He was an accomplished, well respected man of great integrity, yet always approachable and kind. Mr. Harison will be missed very much.
Hezekiah Robinson
April 29, 2008
My prayers and thoughts go out to the family of a true gentleman with a heart of gold.
April 29, 2008
There will be plenty of green grass to play golf in paradise earth. God has promised there is going to be a "new heavens and a new earth" 2peter3:13. No more sickness, pain or death will be. Revelation21:3,4
Bob Crown
April 29, 2008
You will be missed Phil. I watched the Masters since I was a young man and you were a "larger than life" part of that "larger than life" experience.
To the Harison family, you have our sincere condolences. He was a part of what the Masters what it is today, and will be tomorrow.
Susan Maxwell Littlefield
April 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the Harison family.
Teresa Valenti
April 29, 2008
What a true Southern Gentleman. It was a pleasure to work at JSmithLanier/Harison/Kerzic and be warmly greeted by him and to share an occasional chat. What a lovely man. Thoughts and Prayers for you and yours. Terri Valenti
Mike & Sandy Greene
April 29, 2008
Our deepest sympathy goes to the entire family on the loss of your father. As a member of the Tournament Grounds Committee, I enjoyed the time spent with Mr. Harison, especially him talking about his days growing up at the National. All our prayers are with you.
A less than good golfer.
April 29, 2008
So-long, Phil. Take good care of Heaven's greens, I understand there are no sand traps of roughs up there.
Patrick DeLozier
April 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the Harison Family.
Piney Forest SDA Church
April 29, 2008
We have you all in our prayers.
Keith Potter
April 29, 2008
Ladies and gentlemen , now on the first tee in heaven, from Augusta, GA, a true gentleman ... Phil Harison.
Ann Williamson
April 29, 2008
To all family members: My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time with the loss of Phil. He was a wonderful person, and a very close friend to my parents, Charlie and Peggy Williamson, as you know. He will be greatly missed by many. May your memories bring you much comfort.
With much love and sincerity,
Ann Williamson - Augusta, GA
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