Historical - Heard of this guy?

[turtleback]

In looking up something else I came across the name Chandler Harper, a pro golfer from the past.  I had never recalled hearing the name before and I was surprised to find that not only was he a major champion (1950 PGA Championship) but he had a total of 7 PGA tour wins and played in a Ryder Cup (1955).  Although he was not a very long hitter apparently he had a great short game and Ben Hogan once said he was the best putter on tour.

But the thing that really jumped out at me was the fact that he first won the Virginia Open in 1932, as an amateur. and he last won the PGA Virginia Open (for a period of years there was a separate PGA Virginia Open) in 1970.

I wonder if those 38 years are a record for the longest time between first and last wins of an event of this stature.  Snead had 37 years (1936 to 1973) between his first and last West Virginia Open.

Another interesting factoid about him is that for the 10 years leading up to WW2 he and Bobby Cruikshank dominated this event, with Chandler winning 4 times (including his first as an amateur in 1932) and Cruikshank winning the other 6 times.

[myleslong]

Check out Mr. Harpers autobiography MY FIRST 70 YEARS IN GOLF, published 1994 by Donning Co.

Available cheap through online used booksellers.

[turtleback]

Check out Mr. Harpers autobiography MY FIRST 70 YEARS IN GOLF, published 1994 by Donning Co.

Available cheap through online used booksellers.

Thanks for the tip and welcome to the board.  How did you happen to read my post and make it the occasion of your first post?

Funny title for the book.  The is a little implication that there will be a SECOND 70 years in golf, which seems a bit optimistic.

[myleslong]

Thanks for the welcome-it had to be someones post! Seriously, I was just browsing around the forum topics,saw your headline,and thought I had something to add.

I have been a collector of golf books for some 30 years-library amounts to 1450 titles-all subjects but all golf.I try to focus on golf in Canada and caddies,but,if it looks interesting,and I haven't read it,I cave.

On another popular golf site-forum,Ive been a member since 2007 and only 40+ posts. Call me a lurker,but I only post if I have the answer to a question or something salient to add.

[turtleback]

Thanks for the welcome-it had to be someones post! Seriously, I was just browsing around the forum topics,saw your headline,and thought I had something to add.

I have been a collector of golf books for some 30 years-library amounts to 1450 titles-all subjects but all golf.I try to focus on golf in Canada and caddies,but,if it looks interesting,and I haven't read it,I cave.

On another popular golf site-forum,Ive been a member since 2007 and only 40+ posts. Call me a lurker,but I only post if I have the answer to a question or something salient to add.

Well I hope we will hear more from you.  There are a few of us here who have an interest in golf history and  you sound like you would have a lot to add.