North Carolina Golf Icon To Be Honored By Sports Hall Of Fame
Johnny Harris is going from the fairways of Quail Hollow Club to the halls of The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. And honestly, I can’t believe he hasn’t been honored already. I mean, we’re talking about a man who is 100% responsible for bringing the single greatest annual sports event to the Charlotte area, The Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament on the PGA Tour. This had led to multiple stagings of one of golf’s major championships (The PGA Championship) and one of its premier team events (The President’s Cup) in the Queen City as well.
Mr. Harris is slated to receive The Don Fish Legacy Award during the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame ‘s 60th Induction Celebration on May 10 at the Charlotte Convention Center. This award is given to a person or organization that has significantly improved the sports landscape in North Carolina. Again, how has it taken this long?!
I’ve known Johnny Harris professionally for more than 15 years. Every time I’ve interviewed him, I’ve come away the same feelings. One, gosh this guy just loves golf and bringing the best golfers in the world to his town and club. And two, Johnny Harris “gets it.” By that, I mean this. Nearly every time I speak with Mr. Harris, no matter how successful the Wells Fargo Championship, PGA Championship, of President’s Cup has been, all he wants to talk about is the meeting set to come with his team about how to be better the next time.
Also, whether it’s expanding the amount given or number of charities that benefit from his events or becoming a mecca for North Carolina kids’ “Drive Chip and Putt” contest (see above picture), Johnny Harris has raised giving back to his community to the next level. Still more evidence his forthcoming honor from the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.
When Mr. Harris is honored by the Hall in May it will be quite the soiree considering others being honored that night.
• Steve Smith Sr.: The career leader in touchdowns, receptions and receiving yards for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
• Bob McKillop: A Davidson College basketball coach that has amassed 634 wins and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances.
• Jim Nantz: A Charlotte native who won three Emmys as a CBS broadcaster.
• Pettis Norman: A Charlotte native who played for the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and San Diego Chargers (1962-1973).
Congratulations to all of these worthy inductees and major congratulations to Johnny Harris. On May 10th, he will receive The Don Fish Legacy Award during the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame ‘s 60th Induction Celebration at the Charlotte Convention Center.
6 Former Carolina Panthers Nominated For Pro Football Hall Of Fame
Steve Smith Sr.
Wide receiver Steve Smith #89 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball during the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the St. Louis Rams on January 10, 2004 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. The Panthers defeated the Rams 29-23 to advance to the NFC Championship Game. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
Jake Delhomme
Quarterback Jake Delhomme #17 of the Carolina Panthers passes the ball during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on November 15, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad #87 of the Carolina Panthers catches a touchdown pass to make the score 37-27 against Dwaine Carpenter #35 of the San Francisco 49ers at Monster Park on November 14, 2004 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
John Kasay
Carolina Panthers kicker John Kasay follows through on an extra point against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Dec. 26, 2004 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Panthers defeated the Bucs 37 to 20. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Jordan Gross
Jordan Gross #69 of the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 1, 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Charles Tillman
Charles Tillman #31 of the Carolina Panthers intercepts a pass from Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots during their preseason NFL game at Bank of America Stadium on August 28, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
