Melvin R. "Chick" Harbert (February 20, 1915 – September 1, 1992) was an American golfer. He won seven times on the PGA Tour including one major championship, the 1954 PGA Championship. He was also PGA championship runner-up in 1947 and 1952. In 1949, Harbert played on the 1949 Ryder Cup team, and he was playing-captain of the team in 1955. During World War II, he served in the Army. He was born in Dayton, Ohio and died in Ocala, Florida.
Chick Harbert – Known as the longest driver in golf, Harbert was a consistent performer, winning ten PGA Tour events. After twice being a finalist, Chick broke through to win the National PGA Championship in 1954 and was names to two U.S. Ryder Cup Teams. He won five Michigan Open titles (the first as an amateur) and won six Michigan Open PGA Championships. He was named to the PGA Hall of Fame in 1968.
Chick was one of America's golfing greats. He won amateur and professional, national and international championships. Chick was the 39th golfer elected to the PGA Hall of Fame. We are Honored that Chick served as the Golf Professional at Meadowbrook Country Club from 1946 - 1960.
1935 - The youngest player at age 20 to compete in the U.S. Open
1937 - Won the Michigan Open at Arbor Hills
1939 - Invited to play at the Masters in Augusta GA, as an amateur
1941 - First PGA Tour Victory, Texas Open, which he won in a playoff against Ben Hogan
1942 - Enlisted in the Army-Air Corps. Reserve, was seriously injured in 1945, and discharged in 1946
1946 - Became the Golf Professional at Meadowbrook Country Club
1947 - Made it to the finals of the PGA Championship at Plum Hollow
1949 - Was a member of the US Ryder Cup Team in Scarborough England, his 4-3 victory over opponent Sam King, ensured the Team a victory, which was captained by Ben Hogan
1952 - Made it to the finals of the PGA Championship in Big Spring at Louisville, KY
1954 - Won the PGA Championship at Keller Golf Club in St. Paul Minnesota, against fellow Detroit area Golf Pro, Walter Burkemo
1955 - Named Captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team, he won his only match and led the U.S. to an 8-4 victory at the Thunderbird Golf and Country Club in Palm Springs, CA
In later years Harbert continued to win tournaments, including a wide variety of International Events. Particularly active in advancing the game in the Caribbean and Central American countries. Moreover, Harbert was also known for being the longest hitter of his time; having won 42 official long drive contests. In a contest held in Havana Cuba in 1950, his winning drive measured out at 358 yards!
