Lord Byron Nelson – Golf Lesson I Will Never Forget – Part 2

My eyes were glued to this slender gentleman, here he was dressed up in a suit and I was in short pants and a tee shirt. Besides the difference in clothes, he was so comfortable lacing shot after shot and I was in awe. Of course this was the late great Byron Nelson. He was here for the commentary along with the also late great announcer Chris Schenkel. We lost Chris who was a backbone for many years on ABC Television. The lead announcer was not at the range at this time, at least I didn’t see him. Byron was with a few other men but I didn’t know any by face.

I was a shy kid and it took a lot of reserve for me but I knew greatness when it was in front of me. I asked Mr. Nelson, if he would be so kind, to take a look at my swing. At the time I had no idea just what a gracious man he was. Without batting an eye, he walked over to my booth, which I was lucky that no one else took over. Byron watched me hit a few and told me and showed me how the hips have to work throughout the golf swing. He said that the move is a slight lateral movement before they turn through the shot. He took my hips and physically moved them the way they had to move. It felt much different to me. I was predominantly a lifting of the arms player.

I asked him to hit some more which he agreed to. You could not have drawn where those balls consistently landed any better! I know why the machine used to test golf balls and clubs out is appropriately named Iron Byron. There were a gathering group watching all the while this amazing golfer nailed two irons with such an effortless swing.
He again emphasized to me that the move your hips must make, gives you that power and accuracy, provided you have a solid grip and adhere to the basics. For those who never watch Byron grip a golf club, his hands looked like they were molded to eat. You could see he had a beautiful grip.

I was never an autograph seeker and some may ask, why I did not get his autograph, I am sure he would not have batted an eye if asked. Perhaps his protege and former student said it best.

Byron always told those he taught, that it was most important to educate others by giving back to the game, that which was given to you. We all lost a dear sweet friend late September 2006. The accolades came pouring in, including those of the president. Byron Nelson did live to the age 94 and I’m sure he is up in heaven playing with his past friends.
While it’s easy to remember a talented athlete for what they did on the playing field, Byron Nelsons kindness and dignity will never be forgot.

Is it any wonder why this long tall Texan will not only be remembered for his golf greatness but he was and always will be The Texan Gentleman.