TERRE HAUTE —
This weekend at the HP Byron Nelson Championship in Dallas, they are commemorating the 100 years since the birth of their tournament’s namesake. “Lord Byron”, as he was known to the world, was the first professional golfer to have a tournament named for him, when the Dallas Open Invitational was renamed the Byron Nelson Classic in 1968, and there was good reason for that. Not only was he a very accomplished golfer, he was a great ambassador for the game because he was such a great gentleman.
John Byron Nelson Jr. was born on February 4th, 1912. Sam Snead and Ben Hogan were also born in 1912. Byron and Ben grew up near each other and caddied at the same golf club. Byron turned professional in 1932, and won his first major, the Masters Championship, in 1937. He won it again in 1942. Unable to go to war because it took his blood 13 minutes to congeal instead of two, Byron’s career took off during the war years. He played in 133 tournaments and was in the money list in every one, which at that time meant he made the top 10.
Nelson’s record season in 1945 is still regarded as the best ever by a male golfer. He won 11 tournaments in a row, and 18 tournaments in all. His stroke average during that year was 68.33. He won 54 tournaments in his professional career, including 5 majors: The Masters in 1937 and 42, The U.S. Open in 1939, and the PGA in 1940 and 1945. He retired from full-time golf in 1946, and retired to his ranch in Texas, where he still taught others, including Tom Watson.
Known for his accuracy and repetitive swing motion, he is often credited with being the “Father of the Modern Golf Swing.” So it’s no wonder that a robotic machine, built to test golf balls and clubs, was modeled after Nelson’s swing, and called “Iron Byron.” George Manning, the engineer commissioned to build the robot, examined high speed photography of top golfers at the time, and concluded that Nelson’s was the most efficient and repeatable swing. It created the maximum amount of distance with a minimum amount of energy.
There were other structures named after him too, such as the Byron Nelson Bridge, which spans Rae’s Creek on the 13th hole at Augusta National. This picturesque stone arched bridge was dedicated to him in 1958. Also, near his Texas ranch, Byron Nelson High School which opened for the 2009-10 school year in Trophy Club, Texas.
One story — as reported by Don Wade in “And Then Jack Said to Arnie ... “ — that illustrates what a gentleman Mr. Nelson was, was told by Ken Venturi, who was a protégé’ of his. The two of them traveled around California playing in exhibitions. Whenever they arrived at a new course, Byron would find out what the course record was and who held it. If it was held by the local pro or amateur, he wouldn’t try to break it. He knew that record meant more to them than it would to him.
While Lord Byron was alive, he would sit in a chair near the 18th green at his tournament in Dallas, wearing his well-worn straw hat, and greeting the players as they made their way to the scoring tent. That had to have been a thrill and an honor for those players. He considered hosting the Byron Nelson Classic his greatest achievement in golf. He said, “It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me in golf. Better than winning the Masters or the U.S. Open or 11 in a row, because it helps people.”
Quote of the Day: “We can debate over which man was the greatest golfer, but we can never debate which golfer was the greatest man.” - The Minister at Byron Nelson’s memorial service in 2006.
Wabash Valley golf leagues
Riverbend at the Landing Ladies — Low gross: Jeannie Robinson, Darby Gugliemetti; low net: Dorothy Dwyer; low putts: Georgette Arnold; play of the day: Pam WIlliams.
Rea Park Ladies Wednesday Evening — Week’s results: Horrall-Harden 11, Price-Hiatt 9, T.Johnson-Atterson 8, Hyde-Rusk 8, Durand-Snow 6, Bocard-Watson 6, McCord-M.Johnson 4, Meyer-Albert 4, Swalls-Gruenert 2, Padgett-Bedwell 2. Low gross: Sharon Horrall 40; low net: Sheri Harden 34, Madonna Johnson 34, Shawn Durand 34; birdies: Stephanie Meyer (No. 2), Linda Price (No. 5), Candy McCord (No. 7); chip-ins: Mary Lou Albert, Stacy Bocard.
Terre Haute Savings Bank Senior Men — National standings: Hogan Stanley Charters Group 200, Lough Brothers 192, Complete Kitchen & Bath 190, Local 103 163, Johnson Surveying 157, Terre Haute Savings Bank 154; low gross: Rex Ireland 37; low net: Bob Johnson 31, Ireland 31. American standings: Poplar Flower SHop 203, Baesler’s Market 184, Salt of the Earth 173, VFW 972 172, Gurman Container 169, Spring Clean Car Wash 149; low gross: David Bayes 40, Darrell Guerin 40; low net: John Hays 29.
Mark’s Par Three Men’s Senior — Team standings: Mattingly Collision South 174, Old National Trust 169, Rollie’s Pizza 160, Watts Farms 135, Dorsett Mitsubishi 131, TABCO 130, North Siders 109, Mattingly Collision North 108, Dew Drop Inn 101, Vigo Bowl 81. Low gross: Tom Price 36; low net: Price 26; longest putt: Bob Stiller; longest drive: Price.
Women's Tuesday Rea Park 18 Hole — Low gross: Sharon Horrall 79; low net: Linda Snow 68; birdies: Kathy Atterson (No. 1), Sharon Hamilton (No. 2, No. 14), Horrall (No. 4, No. 11); chip-ins: Sandy Stabler (No. 8), Horrall (No. 12), Hamilton (No. 14); low putts: Hamilton 28.
Terminal Sports Bar League — Stroke play with handicap. First place: Dave Rowlett. Second place: Denise Rowlett, John Cesinger, Zach Wilhoyte. Closest to pin: Dave Rowlett (No. 12).
Idle Creek ladies Tuesday morning — First-place team: Holly Sanders, Mary Brannen, Connie Fowler, Sue Borden 39. Closest to pin: Holly Sanders (No. 12), Sue Welch (No. 16). Long put: Connie Fowler (No. 8).
Idle Creek Tuesday evening Home Builders — Low gross: Charlie Smith 38, Brian Cottom 43, Mike Weir 43. Low net: Dan Mills 31. Long putt: Dave Earley (No. 13). Closest to pin: Terry Day (No. 12), Chris Clevenger (No. 16).
Sports Columns
Lord Byron Nelson: Golf's true gentleman
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TRACKSIDE: Local drivers, owners looking to have strong night at Tony Hulman Classic
In its rich 43-year history, the Tony Hulman Sprint Car Classic has long carried on a strong local racing tradition.
From its early beginnings starting in 1971, the U.S. Auto Club-sanctioned event has been the annual centerpiece of the racing calendar at the Terre Haute Action Track as well as a key stop on the USAC sprint schedule and one of the most sought after wins in big league sprint-car racing. -
Shooters compete to fight cancer
A team of employees at Taghleef, formally A.E.T, would like to give a personal invite for you to join in on a lot of fun while helping save lives.
Cindy and Mark Wilguess are the inspiration behind the Taghleef Team. Cindy herself fought this battle with cancer and won. Last year she led her team to be the No. 1 fundraisers in the Relay for Life. -
TILL IT'S OVER: Terre Haute Triathlon's new race director seeks more events for his hometown
Today is the day for the Thunder in the Valley, and the Terre Haute Triathlon is under new leadership in 2013, the 28th year for the event at Hawthorn Park.
A former Terre Haute North track and cross country standout, Ethan Page is the race director as the race falls under the reign of Page’s new company, Crossroads Events. -
TODD GOLDEN: Don't give up on ISU baseball just yet
If you had to pick one word that would describe the 2013 Indiana State baseball season, it would have to be frustration.
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TRACKSIDE: Terre Haute's Carmichael enjoying strong spring in modifieds, stocks
It might have been cold and blustery at Charleston Speedway on Saturday night, but for Terre Haute driver Kenny Carmichael the evening couldn’t have been more pleasant.
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From Terre Haute to the major leagues: Phegley's play could earn him promotion to Chicago
Josh Phegley's debut in the Major Leagues could be coming to a ballpark near you.
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There's an expert at Parker's Archery
As I was driving the winding roadways of southern Indiana, a rustic building caught my attention and the sign on the front revealed it to be an archery shop called Parkers Archery.
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TRACKSIDE: Rain still a pain for Wabash Valley racing organizers
Soggy weather conditions, which have rightfully drawn the ire of Wabash Valley race fans and crews in recent days, continue to plague promoters where it hurts the most — their pocketbooks.
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RAMBLIN’ RECK: Pacers having a ‘Garden Party’
The Indiana Pacers are back in form and looking good.
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KENNY BAYLESS: Sponsors sought for 'Ladies Only' event at Terre Haute Sporting Clays
Sponsors are being sought at the Ladies Only event at Terre Haute Sporting Clays on Saturday at 10 a.m. Sponsors should be willing to donate $1 or more for every broken bird. Each lady is allowed 25 shots. Flat donations are gladly accepted. Also, organizers are looking for more ladies to participate. Ammo, clay birds, and guns (if needed) will be furnished.
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College Report: Lively earned collegiate upgrade with strong play
Hillary Lively signed to play Division II basketball at Maryville (Mo.) during her senior year at North Vermillion, but those plans changed and she would up at nearby Danville Area Community College — where she recently concluded an outstanding two-year career.
Lively was impressive enough to earn a Division I scholarship to Southeast Missouri State of the Ohio Valley Conference, and both her future and past college coaches think she will continue to succeed there.
“She fits what we need,” SEMO coach Ty Margenthaler said. “She has college experience, she is strong and physical and plays well around the basket and moves well.
“Her strength, rebounding and touch around the basket will be a big help. On the defensive end, she’ll be able to guard a true center.” -
RAMBLIN' RECK: It’s May … a time for horses and horsepower
It’s the first day of May, a great month for sports.
It begins with the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. My Old Kentucky Home is played before the start of the race on which hundreds of bets will be placed by folks who ordinarily don’t bet on thoroughbred horse racing.
A week later, practice begins for the Indianapolis 500.
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Terre Haute runner sets up race to help Boston
Having competed in the Boston Marathon once before in 2003, 35-year-old Majel Wells of Terre Haute thought she should give it another try in 2013.
“My goal was just to finish and enjoy Boston,” she reflected this week. “I had an injury [runner’s knee] beforehand, so I wasn’t too worried about beating my time from 2003 [4 hours, 10.20 seconds].
“But nobody cares about what your time is at Boston anyway.”
From what I’ve heard over the years, she’s right. Unless you’re a super-serious runner, the Boston Marathon has been more about taking in the atmosphere and having fun than placing in the top 50, although Wells was pleased that she beat her previous time by finishing in 3:55.19 on April 15.
Obviously, her race time wasn’t the most vivid memory that Wells took away from her 2013 Boston experience. -
Amey Takes Aim: NHL playoffs to put TVs to good use
If Jenny had known, she probably wouldn’t have bought that TV.
But four or five years ago, my Fathers Day present — for those unfamiliar with Amey family traditions, the Fathers Day one is “let’s get something we all really want and pretend it’s a gift for Dad” — was a 42-inch Vizio. It’s been used even more than the cell phone I never would have bought for myself, or the TomTom that disappeared since Jenny’s smartphone arrived.
And it came with high-def.
I’m not going to insult you by telling you how great high-def is, because to do so would be to imply that you are even farther behind the technological curve than I am. I’m guessing, however, that not all of you have yet discovered what it does for hockey. -
Foot Notes: ISU track athletes looking to keep improving at Drake Relays
Indiana State’s track schedule has helped its men’s and women’s teams escape the glacial Wabash Valley weather and enjoy warm days in Auburn, Ala., and Knoxville, Tenn.
With the Sycamores’ track facility basically laid to rest for competition and construction on a new one planned near the Wabash River to begin in 2014, major kudos go to everyone involved for continuing to produce athletes that are NCAA contenders who race with some of the world’s best.
Some of ISU’s current athletes are hoping for season-best performances this weekend against strong competition in the Drake Relays.
Former Sycamore NCAA pole-vault champion Kylie Hutson, who competes professionally for Nike and trains in her hometown of Terre Haute, also has been in Des Moines, Iowa, to compete in the Pole Vault in the Mall on Wednesday night. -
REDNECK QUAKER: Variety of birds to search for in turkey hunting
My father-in-law, Donnell Dunn of Jacksonville, Fla., is a retired engineer from J.I. Case and an avid reader and loves information on anything he takes interest in. He has five patents under his belt during his career.
Donnell took great interest in the Turkey World Slam display at Gander Mountain and thought each bird needed some info to help people understand more about them. -
TRACKSIDE: USAC racing picking up, including Sunday's stop in Terre Haute
With a break in the weather, U.S. Auto Club-sanctioned racing will kick into high gear on the area motorsports scene this weekend with events scheduled at three Indiana ovals.
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Ramblin’ Reck: Sato first Foyt winner since 2002
Takuma Sato made Izod IndyCar Series history Sunday when he won the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
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Former South players to play in Saylor benefit game
I had my first phone conversation with Mike Saylor since mid-February on Thursday and he sounded good.
The former Terre Haute South High School boys basketball coach, who’s been battling cancer this year, has been traveling back and forth to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for chemotherapy treatments. -
COLLEGE REPORT: Valley prep athletes getting ready for next level
The NCAA “regular” signing period begins Wednesday for all sports except football, field hockey, soccer, track and field, cross country and men’s water polo.
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RAMBLIN’ RECK: Pacers closing out a nice season
In case you hadn’t noticed, the final games of the regular season will be played this week in the National Basketball Association.
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Amey Takes Aim: Can’t bottle the joy of Amey vacations
The first bad sign was the Gatorade bottle.
In the Bataan-Death-March drive to Orlando that got the Amey family spring break vacation off to a bad start, seeing it between lanes of I-24 — as we zipped along at a 100-miles-in-five-hours clip — filled with an ominous yellow liquid was a little bit scary. And although we didn't stop to check for sure, I'm fairly certain I knew about its contents.
And the person stuck in the same traffic jam with us, the one with the existential license plate YMIHR4, couldn’t have asked a more pertinent question.
But, after seeing a lot more of Oak Grove, Ky., than we’d planned, and after enduring more traffic slowdowns in Nashville, we were on our way. Even some rain in the dark in the Smokies didn’t slow us down much, so you would think our first-day troubles were over.
You would be wrong. -
Redneck Quaker: Mascari gets thrills from turkey hunting
Annie Mascari is a beautiful, vibrant, 26-year-old lady that loves the outdoors.
She comes from a large family of four brothers and a sister and lives the teachings of good family values.
Olivia Rightly let me know that I “should talk to my teacher at St. Pats School, Ms. Mascari, because she’s taken a turkey.”
As I shook Annie’s hand, I could feel the energy she has for life. As proof, the first time she went up in an airplane, she jumped out of it!
She’s also quite the hunter. Mascari picked up a used PSE bow for $30, one for a left-hander because her left eye is dominate for shooting. The Page Arrows are her choice for broadheads. -
RAMBLIN’ RECK: Louisville gets two shots at NCAA title
Louisville met Michigan in the championship game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Monday. Louisville faces Connecticut in the title tilt of the women’s tournament tonight.
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REDNECK QUAKER: Learning to shoot clays a great experience
Tom Mitchell from Burnett is an all-around outdoor enthusiast. His passions are motorcycles, cars, and most of all, shooting sports. When he sights in on metal target shooting with a hand gun or rifle you will hear a lot of “clang” noises, he can shoot very quiet also, because he is licensed to own suppressers.
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TRACKSIDE: Racing season picking up speed
With several tracks already open and others scheduled to get underway this weekend it’s a sure sign the area motorsports campaign has taken the green flag for the 2013 season.
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RAMBLIN’ RECK: Out with the hoops, in with the bats
It’s a super week for sports fans — college basketball comes to a close and the first baseball games are played in the major leagues.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Conferences honor Valley softball players
Several Wabash Valley area college softball players have been honored by their respective conferences for outstanding play this spring.
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FROM THE PRESSBOX: Content McKenna has enjoyed seeing ISU's progress
It all happened so fast in June 2010.
One minute, Kevin McKenna was head coach of the Indiana State men’s basketball program. Then — poof! — he was gone.
McKenna resigned from his head coaching position at ISU on June 13, 2010 to take an assistant coach position on Dana Altman’s then-burgeoning University of Oregon staff. -
FROM THE PRESSBOX: NCAA got it right with Louisville in Indianapolis
The worst decision and the best decisions made by the NCAA Tournament selection committee shared space on Lucas Oil Stadium’s hardwood Friday night.
The Midwest Regional’s opener pitted Louisville and Oregon, two teams that were on the opposite sides of the NCAA’s coin on Selection Sunday.
Oregon, winner of the Pac-12 Tournament and Pac-12 runner-up in the regular season, was shockingly seeded 12th in the Midwest Region. - More Sports Columns Headlines
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