Golf Styles, April 2008
Most people know that golf great Byron Nelson’s roots are in Texas. Fewer are aware that his legendary career has galvanizing ties to the Golden State.
Nelson turned pro in 1932, when the national economy was in the grips of the Depression and professional golf was on the decline. Attendance at tour events was sparse and prize money had diminished.
Byron won $75, finishing third in his debut pro tournament, but heearned only $34.50 on the West Coast tour that winter. Struggling to make ends meet, he sold his silver amateur trophies to pay the bills.
He was invited to play in the 1935 Masters where he finished tied for ninth, earning $137. While in Georgia, Nelson accepted a position as assistant pro at Ridgewood CC, a Tillinghast classic, in Paramus, New Jersey.
The following year, at the New Jersey Open Byron would record his first tour win. The $400 purse equlaled his year’s salary at Ridgewood. Byron’s time in the area was very beneficial, with two years of regular practice at Ridgewood and consistent performance in competition. It began what would be a remarkable run.
His accomplishments are historic – 52 tour victories including the Masters 1937, 1942; U.S. Open 1939 and PGA Championship 1940, 1945.
In 1946 at age 34, Nelson retired from full-time competitive gold to his TExas working ranch. He received the Bob Jones Award in 1974, the highest honor given by the USGA and the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement in 1997.
