1912-2006
Born: Feb. 4, 1912 in Waxahachie, Texas
Died: Sept. 26, 2006
Turned pro: 1932
Retired: 1946
Awards: AP Male Athlete of the Year in 1944 and 1945. Vardon Trophy in 1939. PGA Tour leading money winner in 1944 and 1945.
Honors: Elected to the PGA Hall of Fame in 1953 and to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974. Received the USGA's Bob Jones Award in 1974.
Victories: 52 PGA co-sponsored and/or approved tournaments.
Majors won: 5 -- 1937 Masters; 1939 U.S. Open; 1940 PGA Championship; 1942 Masters and 1945 PGA Championship.
Highlights
Made the cut in 113 consecutive PGA Tour events, second all-time.
Won 18 PGA Tour events, including a record 11 straight, in 1945.
Played on Ryder Cup teams in 1937 and 1947 and was a non-playing captain of the 1965 team.
Finished in the Top 10 in 65 consecutive tournaments from 1942 to 1946.
The EDS Byron Nelson Championship is the only PGA Tour stop named after a professional golfer.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
