Byron Nelson: Golf
John Byron Nelson, Jr. (FebrByron Nelsonuary 4, 1912 – September 26, 2006) was a PGA Tour golfer and a World Golf Hall of Fame member who is remembered to win 11 consecutive tournaments in 1945. During his career from 1935 and 1946, he won 5 major championships and earned numerous trophies. Nelson was lined with Ben Hogan and Sam Smith, two other well-known golfers during his time. Byron Nelson was 34 when he retired to be a rancher then later became a commentator.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Byron Nelson received numerous awards including the Bob Jones Award, which the highest honor was given by the US Golf Association in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in golf. In 1974, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Nelson received the 1994 Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, it was the highest honor. He became the second recipient of the PGA Tour Lifetime Award in 1997.
Why Was He So Good?
Byron Nelson taught many people his technique and it was concentration and maintaining composure. He dominated the sport, given the nickname “Lord Byron” for his statesmanlike demeanor. He “accomplished things on the pro tour that never have been and never will be approached again.” When Nelson turned pro in 1932, he pioneered the first modern swing considered by many golf historians. He became the model for the mechanical testing robot that was known as “Iron Byron”.
What You May Not Know
- It was during his 1945 season that he was considered the best ever by a male golfer.
- He and Ben Hogan caddied at the Glen Garden Country Club when they were younger. Both squared off for the club’s caddie championship in 1927. Nelson won.
- When he was 11, he almost died from a very dangerous contraction of typhoid fever.
- The Byron Nelson Championship was the first PGA event to be named after a former PGA golfer.
Was he a legend?
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Related Pages
- More legendary Golf players
- Athlete Database home
- About the sport of Golf
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