Background
Nelson was born in Fort Payne, Alabama and grew up in Acworth, Georgia, northwest of Atlanta.
Nelson was born in Fort Payne, Alabama and grew up in Acworth, Georgia, northwest of Atlanta.
Nelson was first introduced to golf by Ken Hummel, a soldier and friend in his infantry unit, and Nelson carefully studied Ben Hogan"s book The Five Fundamentals of Golf while learning how to play the game.
He didn"t play the game as a child – atypical for a successful professional golfer – in high school he focused on basketball and baseball. Nelson took up golf at the age of 21 after he returned from serving in the infantry in Vietnam (Nelson was a 20-year-old newlywed when he was drafted into the United States Army). He soon found that he had a talent for the game, breaking 100 the first time he played and 70 within nine months.
He went on to graduate from Kennesaw Junior College in 1970 and turned professional the following year.
He qualified for the Professional Golf Association Tour at 27. In 1983 he was victorious at the United States. Open at Oakmont, coming from seven behind at the half-way point to defeat Tom Watson by a single shot.
Nelson scored a United States. Open record 65-67 over the last 36 holes at the difficult Oakmont course, which broke a 51-year Open record established by Gene Sarazen. Nelson"s 10 under par 132 record score has yet to be equaled.
Nelson played on the United States. Ryder Cup team in 1979, 1981, and 1987.
His record of 9–3–1 is one of the best since the event became United States of America v Europe in 1979. lieutenant had been a perfect 9–0–0 after the first two events. He was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in April 2006 and inducted in October 2006.
The award "honors outstanding individuals who display leadership and humanitarian qualities, including integrity, sportsmanship and enthusiasm for the game of golf".
Nelson is also active in golf course design. Professional Golf Association Tour wins (10) Japan Golf Tour wins (4) Other wins (2) Champions Tour wins (19) Other senior wins (6) Wins (3) 1Defeated Wadkins with a par on the first extra hole.
Results timeline DNP = did not play DQ = disqualified World Development = withdrew CUT = missed the half way cut "T" indicates a tie for a place. Green background for wins.
Yellow background for top-10.
Summary Most consecutive cuts made – 7 (1978 Professional Golf Association – 1980 Open Championship) Longest streak of top-10s – 2 (1981 Professional Golf Association – 1982 Masters).
Married Gayle; 2 sons.