Nelson, Byron

Nelson, Byron (John Byron Nelson, Jr.), 1912–2006, American golfer, b. Fort Worth, Tex. In 1926 he began playing golf as a caddie, and in 1932 he entered upon his professional career. Noted for the perfection of his swing, “Lord Byron” won the the Masters Championship in 1937 and 1942, the U.S. National Open title in 1939, and the Professional Golfers Association championship in 1940 and 1945. In 1945 he also won 11 professional golf tournaments in a row, a record, and over his career—he played only part-time beginning in 1947—he tallied 52 PGA Tour victories.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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