Byron Nelson: 1912-2006

SI Staff | Sep 26, 2006

Byron Nelson: 1912-2006

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Byron Nelson will be remembered for his record 11 straight Tour wins in 1945, but don't forget that he also won five majors, including the 1940 PGA Championship.

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Lord Byron was known for his graceful, balanced swing.

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Two of golf's finest players -- Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan -- grew up together in Fort Worth, yet they were as different as night and day.

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Nelson was a big fan of the way Tiger Woods could swing a golf club. No doubt Tiger felt the same way about Nelson's ability.

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The patrons at Augusta National appreciated seeing legends Byron Nelson, Gene Sarazen and Sam Snead tee off at the start of the opening round in 1997.

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Phil Mickelson has been among the winners of the Byron Nelson Classic, the annual Tour event held near Dallas.

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A bronze statue of Nelson was erected in his honor at the Four Seasons Resort near Dallas that hosts his annual tournament.

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Among the many contributions Nelson made to the game came as captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 1965.

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Hats off to Lord Byron, one of the game's greatest ambassadors and gentlemen.

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Byron Nelson's 1945 record of 18 wins -- 11 in a row -- defines a life that was certainly more than numbers.