Looking back at Nelson's streak of 11 straight wins 72 years later
It's one of golf's most impressive records of all-time, Byron Nelson's 11 consecutive victories in 1945, and it began 72 years ago.
Nelson began the streak at the at the Miami Four-Ball Tournament at Miami Springs Country Club with partner Jug McSpaden, and would continue until early August at the Canadian Open.
The Texan would go on to win 18 events that season, also a record that has yet to be touched, and some believe it's the greatest year in golf history.
Here's a look at the eleven events he won during the streak.
| Date | Event | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Mar. 8-11 | Miami International 4-Ball | Team event |
| Mar. 16-19 | Charlotte Open | 272 |
| Mar. 23-25 | Greater Greensboro Open | 271 |
| Mar. 30-Apr. 1 | Durham Open | 276 |
| Apr. 5-8 | Atlanta Open | 263 |
| June 7-10 | Montreal Open | 268 |
| June 14-17 | Philadelphia Inquirer | 269 |
| June 29-July 1 | Chicago Victory National Open | 275 |
| July 9-15 | PGA Championship | Match Play |
| July 26-29 | Tam O'Shanter Open | 269 |
| Aug. 2-4 | Canadian Open | 280 |
The week after his win at Thornhill Golf & Country Club, Nelson finished fourth at the Memphis Open to end the string of victories. He would go on to claim four more events to finish the season.
Today in 1945, Byron Nelson teamed with Jug McSpaden to win the Miami Inter. 4-Ball. It began Nelson's 11-event win streak in 18-win season. pic.twitter.com/fulLAS9Cy2
— Bob Denney (@pgahistorybug) March 11, 2017
Other Stats from his year:
- Finished runner-up seven times.
- 68.33 scoring average, which was broken by Tiger Woods in 2000.
- Never finished outside of the top 10 in 35 events played.