Byron Nelson

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Byron Nelson

AKA John Byron Nelson

Born: 4-Feb-1912
Birthplace: Waxahachie, TX [1]
Died: 26-Sep-2006
Location of death: Roanoke, TX
Cause of death: unspecified
Remains: Buried, Roselawn Memorial Park, Denton, TX

Gender: Male
Religion: Protestant [2]
Race or Ethnicity: White
Sexual orientation: Straight
Occupation: Golf

Nationality: United States
Executive summary: Winner of 5 Majors

Turned professional in 1932, his career was extraordinary in the early 1940s because of a quirk of nature: he was not eligible for military service due to a rare blood condition. Bryon is the winner of five majors: the US Open (1939), Masters Tournament (1937 and 1942), and the PGA Championship (1940 and 1945). The number would likely be higher had not the Masters been postponed during World War II. He made the "cut" (i.e., generally placed in the top twenty finishers for a tournament) an impressive 113 times. He won 52 tournaments in his lifetime. The EDS Byron Nelson Championship is named for him.

[1] Often given in references as Fort Worth, which is where he moved to as a child. He was born in a rural area near Waxahachie.

[2] Church of Christ.

Father: John Byron Nelson, Sr.
Mother: Madge Allen
Wife: Louise (d. 1985 stroke)
Wife: Peggy (m. 1987)

Winner, Masters Tournament 1937
Winner, US Open 1939
Winner, PGA Championship 1940
Winner, Masters Tournament 1942
Winner, PGA Championship 1945
Vardon Trophy 1939
Associated Press Athlete of the Year (male) 1944
Associated Press Athlete of the Year (male) 1945
PGA Hall of Fame 1953
World Golf Hall of Fame 1974
Texas Sports Hall of Fame 1955

FILMOGRAPHY AS ACTOR
The Caddy (10-Aug-1953) · Himself

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