Byron Nelson (1912-2006)
(Inaugural Class of 2018)
One of the greatest golfers ever, Byron Nelson is recognized for having won 64 professional tournaments, including five majors. In 1945, he won an amazing 11 consecutive tournaments and 18 total events. While working as an assistant professional at The Ridgewood Country Club, Nelson won the State Open in 1935 and the Met Open in 1936.
The next year, 1937, he made his name known from coast to coast. His dramatic birdie at the par-3 12th hole and eagle-3 on the par-5 15th at Augusta, enabled him to snatch the 1937 Masters from Braidburn’s (now Brooklake C.C.) Ralph Guhldahl, who had won the U. S. Open that year.
From 1940-42, Nelson won 13 championships, including the 1940 PGA and the 1942 Masters, defeating Ben Hogan in a playoff. In 1944, Nelson won six tournaments. But 1945 was his year, the greatest year, in fact, by any individual golfer.
Accomplishments:
- 52 PGA TOUR Victories
- Masters 1937, 42
- U.S. Open 1939
- PGA Championship 1940, 45
- Member, World Golf Hall of Fame
- Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year, 1944, 45
- PGA Tour Vardon Trophy winner, 1939
- PGA Tour leading money winner, 1944, 45
- Member, U.S. Ryder Cup team, 1937, 47
- Captain, U.S. Ryder Cup team, 1965