One of the hidden beauties of golf is learning about the history of the game. With all the buzz about Tiger Woods this year, the winning streak of one of the greatest players of all time, Byron Nelson has taken center stage. It’s amazing how good the early pioneers of the game like Bobby Jones and Nelson were, especially considering the equipment they used back then.
With this week’s PGA TOUR stop in Irving Texas at the EDS Byron Nelson Championship, I thought some history about the tournament’s namesake was a very appropriate, interesting and informative topic for this story.
Starting in 1942 and ending in 1946, Byron Nelson finished in the Top 10 in 65 consecutive tournaments. Over that full time period, Nelson finished out of the Top 10 only once, winning 34 times and finishing second 16 more times. Nelson’s 1945 season is considered by most the best ever by a male golfer, including 11 tournaments in a row. He did it with a 68.33 stroke average that was not bested for another 55 years.
Nelson was born south of Fort Worth, where he and Ben Hogan became acquainted as children when both caddied at Glen Garden Country Club. The two squared off for the club’s caddie championship in 1927, with Nelson winning. Nelson turned pro in 1932 and his swing is considered by many golf historians the first “modern” swing (it served as the model for the mechanical testing robot that came to be known as “Iron Byron”).
The World Golf Hall of Fame explains: “Coming of age just as the steel shaft was replacing hickory, Nelson learned that using the big muscles in the hips and legs could be a more reliable, powerful, and effective way to hit a golf ball than the more wristy method that had been employed in the era of hickory. Nelson was particularly noteworthy for the way his swing was more upright and along the target line, employing a full shoulder turn with restricted wrist cock, and for the way he kept his knees flexed in the downswing.”
Nelson’s first major came in 1937 at the Masters, which he won again in 1942 by beating Hogan in an 18-hole playoff. Following his amazing 1945 season, Nelson won six more times in 1946 and then, at the age of 34, retired from full-time competitive golf to buy a ranch in Texas. He played only sparingly afterward. After his playing days ended, Nelson did some television commentary and also hosted the Byron Nelson Classic on the PGA Tour each year. He mentored many young golfers, among them Ken Venturi and Tom Watson.
Byron Nelson was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
Byron Nelson’s Biography:
“Byron” is actually his middle name. His full name is John Byron Nelson Jr. and nickname, Lord Byron.
Born: Feb. 4, 1912, in Waxahachie, Texas
Died: Sept. 27, 2006
Major Championships:
• Masters: 1937, 1942
• U.S. Open: 1939
• PGA Championship: 1940, 1945
Awards and Honors:
• Member, World Golf Hall of Fame
• Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year, 1944 and 1945
• PGA Tour Vardon Trophy winner, 1939
• PGA Tour leading money winner, 1944, 1945
• Member of 2 U.S. Ryder Cup teams
• Captain, U.S. Ryder Cup team, 1965
Here are Byron Nelson’s results from the year 1945, when he won 18 of 30 tournaments entered, including 11 consecutively.
11 in a row, along with Nelson’s margin of victory in each:
Miami International Four-Ball (team tournament)
Charlotte Open, won by 4 strokes
Greater Greensboro Open, won by 8 strokes
Durham Open, won by 5 strokes
Atlanta Open, won by 9 strokes
Montreal Open, won by 10 strokes
Philadelphia Inquirer, won by 2 strokes
Chicago Victory National Open, won by 7 strokes
PGA Championship (match play)
Tam O’Shanter Open, won by 11 strokes
Canadian Open, won by 4 strokes
18 Wins:
Phoenix Open, 274
Corpus Christi Open, 264
New Orleans Open, 284
Miami International Four-Ball (team tournament)
Charlotte Open, 272
Greater Greensboro Open, 271
Durham Open, 276
Atlanta Open, 263
Montreal Open, 268
Philadelphia Inquirer, 269
Chicago Victory National Open, 275
PGA Championship (match play)
Tam O’Shanter Open, 269
Canadian Open, 280
Knoxville Invitational, 276
Esmeralda Open, 266
Seattle Open, 259
Glen Garden Open, 273
Trivia question:
Who won the first Byron Nelson Championship?
Answer:
Byron Nelson won the Dallas Open in 1944, the first year it was played. The Dallas Open later turned into what we now know as the EDS Byron Nelson Championship.
Bobby Jones
With Mother’s and Father’s Days approaching here’s a great gift idea; the Bobby Jones DVD Collection. These are the original Warner Bros golf instructional series: How I Play Golf and How To Break 90, staring the greatest golfer of the all – Bobby Jones.
In this cherished series, Bobby Jones explains his secrets of the game from tee to green. You’ll see Bobby play coach to some of the top celebrities of all time including W.C. Fields, Edward G. Robinson, James Cagney, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Loretta Young and many more! It’s Bobby Jones at his matinee idol best…a must-have for golfers of all ages and abilities! All 12 episodes of the original series of are included on 2 DVD’s. All the material has been re-mastered for the first time on DVD. The sound and picture quality is digitally enhanced.
This collector’s series is not only great instruction from THE MASTER, but it’s also very entertaining. It’s a must for any serious golfer, plus makes a great gift for family, friends and especially customers and business associates. As an added bonus, your order includes the Thumbs Down method Front Nine eBook with video, a priceless combination for improving your golf game.
For details go to http://www.golfinstructionmadesimple.com/OnlineStore/BobbyJones.htm.
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