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Golf Legend Byron Nelson, 1912-2006

Byron Nelson, the winner of a record 11 consecutive professional golf tournaments in 1945 and one of golf?s most renowned figures, died Tuesday at his home in Roanoke, Texasa, at the age of 94. Nelson dominated the gold scene in the late 1930?s and early 40?s, modeled the modern golf swing, won the Masters twice, the P.G.A. Championship twice and the United States Open once, 52 tournament victories in total. These achievements that accompanied a loved and admired personality have placed him sixth on the PGA Tour career list.

John Byron Nelson Jr. grew up in Texas. His golf career started when he was 12, as a caddie at the Glen Garden Country Club in Fort Worth. He turned pro in 1932 and won the Masters five years later in 1937. His most significant - and likely unrepeatable - record is 11 tournament victories in a single season, in 1945. Also unforgettable is the nickname he received from a reporter early in his career, "Lord Byron," stuck to him to his last day.

In an interview in 1993, Nelson said: ?The Lord gave me good coordination, a great rhythm and wonderful balance. I had an absolutely uncanny judgment of distance. And even though folks couldn?t always see it, I had a very big desire to achieve.? Nelson is survived by his second wife, Peggy. His first wife, Louise, died in 1985 in their 51st year of marriage.