He Won 11 Tournaments in a Row…So They Named an Event After Him

Bryon Nelson had the best year of golf in the sport’s history. He won 18 events in one season while winning 11 tournaments in a row in 1945! Some may argue that he wasn’t facing the best at the time because of players that were in the war, however his 68.33 stroke average said otherwise which was a whole stroke better than anyone the previous season.

This record was held intact even through many great players until in 2000 Tiger Woods averaged 68.17. Nelson showed dominance and perseverance to achieve the great feat in ‘45. It is a record that will likely never be broken again with only Ben Hogan coming the closest the following season with 13 wins in 1946!

The unofficial 1st year of the tournament took place in 1944 and none other than Bryon Nelson himself took home the hardware with a $2,000 paycheck for his performance. The tournament was officially named after Bryon Nelson in 1968, only two years after Nelson teed up for the last time in 1966. His career was an impressive one with 52 wins and 5 majors! Not only did he leave a great legacy, but it also came with humbleness. 

Pro golfer Steve Elkington recalls his experiences at the tournament starting in 1993 that Bryon Nelson would greet each golfer on the 1st tee. One of the great traditions of this tournament! Elkington even shared a nugget that Bryon Nelson was mentoring legendary golfer Tom Watson who won the Bryon Nelson a staggering four times!

Always a great week to reflect on the extraordinary life and history of Bryon Nelson! It will be a blast to watch as some top players tee it up this week including former Texas Longhorn Scottie Scheffler to go for his 5th win this season.

The winner will be taking home roughly 1.64 million dollars this weekend compared to $20,000 won by the official inaugural winner of the Byron Nelson Tournament, Miller Barber in 1968.

Cover Image Via Encyclopedia Britannica