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John Harris, revered as the last mid-amateur to win the U.S. Amateur, has died at the age of 73. He passed away on September 17, 2025, after a battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Harris had been admitted to hospice care earlier in the week.
Born in Minneapolis and raised in Roseau, Minnesota, Harris distinguished himself early as a multi-sport talent. At the University of Minnesota he starred both in golf and hockey. In 1974 he helped lead the Gophers hockey team to the NCAA Championship and won the Big Ten individual golf title that same year.
Golfing Career: Peaks, Amateur Dominance, Senior Success
After college, Harris turned professional in golf in 1975 and also pursued minor league hockey briefly. His tenure on the PGA Tour was modest, with few standout finishes. In 1983 he regained his amateur status, a move that marked the start of his greatest achievements in golf.
In 1993, at age 41, Harris famously won the U.S. Amateur, defeating Danny Ellis 5 and 3 in the final match. That victory made him the last mid-amateur to win the championship, a feat that underscored his enduring skill and competitive spirit. Throughout his amateur years, he collected multiple titles in Minnesota: four Minnesota Amateur championships, five Mid-Amateurs, state opens, and various national amateur honors.
Later in life, Harris competed on the PGA Tour Champions, where he secured at least one professional win, the 2006 Commerce Bank Championship, among several top-10 finishes. He officially retired from competitive golf in 2021.
Legacy and Character
Beyond his record, Harris was beloved for his sportsmanship and character. Those close to him often remarked that he carried himself with humility and kindness both on and off the course. He was known not only as a dominant amateur golfer in Minnesota and beyond, but also as a mentor to younger players.
Just days before his passing, Harris was able to walk the links again: he shot an even-par 72 at Edina Country Club, underlining his enduring love for the game.
