John Byron Nelson (Lord Byron)

(1912 - 2006)

Born: February 4, 1912, Waxahachie, TX

Died: September 26, 2006, Roanoke, TX, at age 94

Byron Nelson was a professional golfer from 1935-1946. He dominated play during this era. His record includes 54 Tour events, including five majors, the 1937 and 1942 Masters, the 1939 U.S. Open, and the 1940 and 1945 PGA Championships.

He is perhaps best remembered for his amazing performance in the 1945 season. In this one season, he won 18 times, including 11 victories in a row. In addition to his other seven wins in 1945, he also carded seven runner-up finishes.

Nelson retired from professional golf at the age of 34 to become a rancher. He continued as a golf ambassador, golf news commentator and contributed to the design of a number of golf courses.