| Born Texas, USA, Nelson is remembered as one of the most consistent golfers of all time.
Nelson's is a remarkable story. He grew up close to Ben Hogan and both men caddied at the same golf club. Although Nelson turned professional in 1932, it would be five years before he won his first Major, the US Masters. To confirm his arrival, he was selected for that year's Ryder Cup squad.
While the pre-war period was good to Nelson, his career really took off during the war. While Hogan and many of the other top professionals were sent off to war, Nelson was forced to stay home because it took his blood 13 minutes instead of 2 to congeal. During the 1940s, he played in 133 tournaments and was in the money list in every one of them. At that time that meant the top 10. He had 11 consecutive wins in 1945 and won the PGA Championship. He was also that year's leading money earner.
The story goes that his wife suggested that he played goal in order to raise the money to buy their own ranch rather than touch their savings. Nelson achieved that goal in 1946 . He played his last tournament in 1955. Since retiring from competitive golf, he has been a commentator and teacher. One of his protégés is Tom Watson.
Nelson is a great champion and personifies the professional game. |
USA