Remembering Byron

By: Les Miller on 08/03/09 02:04 PM

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It's hard to believe it's been almost 3 years since the death of my friend Byron Nelson, golf's greatest gentleman and one of the most beloved people in sports, at the age of 94. Known for his graceful swing and gentle manner, Byron had the greatest year in the history of professional sports in 1945 when he won 18 tournaments. During a two year period, 1944-1945 he captured 31 of 54 tournaments, and then suddenly, at age 34, he retired after the 1946 season to become a Texas rancher. Coincidently, that was the year I was born.

As a young kid growing up in the Chicago land area I loved playing golf and wanted to be a professional golfer like Byron. I studied everything about his career and read all of his instruction articles and books. His teaching methods were like the man himself, straight to the point and easy to understand. Over the years I became a golf professional and by using the information I had learned from Byron's books became a very successful golf instructor.

In the late 90's I met Byron when he became involved with Cleveland Golf. At that time I was the Director of Manufacturing for Cleveland Golf and would work with Byron on his clubs, along with his ideas concerning golf club design. It was during the next six years that I spent hours talking with him about equipment and golf instruction. You can image what an exciting time that was for me having the opportunity to spend time with the man I idolized growing up.

It was during those times I received my real education in life, how to listen, learn and respect the opinion of others. I still enjoy helping others with their golf game so maybe the following tip Byron gave me will help you in your quest to master the game.

Golf tip: Get more distance off the tee the Byron Nelson way

During every round of golf there are always a few holes where extra power is needed to attack the hole. When you want to reach back for that little extra distance, here are a few tips Byron Nelson gave me years ago.

Byron told me when coming to a hole where he needed some extra distance, he moved a couple of inches closer to the ball at address. His thinking was when you swing harder; you tend to pull the club in toward your body as you are going through the hitting area.

Second, he choked down about an inch on the grip as he felt he could generate more speed during his swing by choking down a little bit.

Finally, he felt these two changes helped him maintain control of his swing, which allowed him to play these longer drives from the fairway.

Byron felt his consistent driving of the golf ball was what set him up for success. During his streak of winning 11 tournaments in a row, he only remembered missing one fairway during that time. I'm sure that's why they named the Iron Byron machine after him, as he was always in the fairway and long when he needed to be.

Try these tips and add some extra distance when you need it.

Les Miller is a freelance correspondent and member of the Golf Writers of America. His background encompasses being a former PGA Professional, as well as former VP Sales, Marketing and Director of New Product Development for several major golf companies.