Nelson, Byron (1912-2006), an American golfer, was one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. In 1945, Nelson had perhaps the greatest year in golf history, winning 18 tournaments, 11 in a row. Both are men's professional golf records. Nelson won the United States Open in 1939, the Masters Tournament in 1937 and 1942, and the United States PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) Championship in 1940 and 1945.