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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Hughes, News & Views: Terre Haute ‘hacker' accomplishes Mark’s Par Three first
It’s no secret that Mark’s Par Three is not the most difficult golf course in Vigo County.
But it’s enjoyable for beginners and golfers of modest skill levels and it doesn’t lack for activity during warm-weather months.
Open since 1964, it’s had its fair share of players test their skills, probably several better than 43-year-old Brian Brown of Terre Haute. -
RAMBLIN’ RECK: Catching up on some things
Catching up — on all-state softball honors and a new basketball coach in Illinois.
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TODD GOLDEN: Golf ... the beast within?
Like many sports fans, my interest in professional golf is confined to the four major tournaments. Many prefer the Masters, some like the back-to-roots British Open, but I’ve always liked the U.S. Open the best.
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Trackside: Midgets could be on rise in Wabash Valley
With Indiana Midget Week taking center stage this week at Wabash Valley ovals, it’s time to talk midget racing.
More specifically, it’s time to examine its status in the Hoosier State and what the future might hold for one of open wheel’s most competitive but yet overlooked forms of racing.
It’s no secret the mighty, little midgets have suffered from hard times in recent years. Spiraling engine costs and resulting smaller car counts have led to a sharp reduction in the number of races for the midgets.
Terre Haute Action Track supporters of the midgets know first hand. They lost their popular Hut Hundred a few seasons back and hope of them returning to the local half-mile clay oval remains a question mark. -
RAMBLIN’ RECK: South grad helps VU to national golf title
Vincennes University’s men’s golf team claimed the junior college national championship last week with a Terre Haute South Vigo grad in the lineup.
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FROM THE PRESS BOX: Close, but no cigar, theme for ISU sports in 2012-13
When I covered my first event of Indiana State’s 2012-13 season — ISU’s opening football game at Indiana — I was the first one in the press box at IU’s Memorial Stadium. I’m never the first one in the press box.
Maybe the prospect of ISU’s season had me so pumped that I decided to get it started close to three hours early? (Or more truthfully, maybe I was over-vigilent about predicted traffic horrors on the Indiana 46 bypass that never came to pass.) -
TRACKSIDE: Bad weather gives time to reflect
With weather-related issues continuing to plague the Wabash Valley racing scene, the lack of on-track activity presents an opportunity to offer an overall assessment of the 2013 campaign to date.
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Ramblin’ Reck: Indiana gave Heat ‘all-stars’ all they wanted
The prelims are over and the finals begin Thursday in the National Basketball Association with Miami going for a second straight title against San Antonio, looking for its first championship since 2007.
The Indiana Pacers gave the all-stars from Miami all they wanted and then some before the Heat took charge to win the seventh game Monday. -
REDNECK QUAKER: Another African hunting adventure well worth the trip
Here I sit in a hunting blind in South Africa with an adventurous soul, Mack Adams. The dove and guinea fowl are calling with the sun warming the morning chill.
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Hughes, News & Views: Pacers, 500, NFL on mind of curious columnist
One previous time, I believe, my annual May questions column ran one day late into June.
Can you forgive me for this being the second time?
With apologies out of the way, below are questions that have been taking up valuable space in my head lately.
Some are serious, some not so much. Most are sports-related, but don’t blame me if a few are not. After all, newspaper sportswriters don’t eat, sleep and breathe sports 24/7 (contrary to what my Lisa might tell you).
Here we go:
• How funny will the reaction of the national media be when the Indiana Pacers knock off the unbeatable Miami Heat tonight and Monday to take the series and head to an NBA Finals showdown with the San Antonio Spurs? Hint: Several ESPN “experts” will need to change their underwear next week. -
TODD GOLDEN: MVC Tourney can be ISU success story if work is done
Prior to last week’s Missouri Valley Conference baseball tournament at Illinois State’s Duffy Bass Field, fear and loathing prevailed in some corners of the conference.
It seemed that Missouri State, Creighton, and most notably, Wichita State, had a monopoly on the season-ending tournament since the Coolidge Administration. (It had actually been since 1998.) How could the tournament make it without playing in one of the three aforementioned universities’ big venues? -
TRACKSIDE: Burton’s death shows tragic side of racing
The tragic chain of events that had unfolded the previous night at Bloomington Speedway had cast a pall over what should have been an enjoyable night of racing at LPS.
Word had circulated the Putnam County racing facility that earlier in the day that young Josh Burton had succumbed to injuries from an accident the night before at Bloomington.
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RAMBLIN’ RECK: Each lead change made Indy a thrill
The 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 and will be remembered as one of the best races in recent history.
It won’t be memorable for a close finish but rather for a record 68 lead changes and 14 different drivers taking their turn at the front of the pack.
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Redneck Quaker: Crappie bait available if you keep looking
For those wanting to catch catfish on the river or crappie in a lake, there is a great place in town to pick up your live bait.
Inland Aquatics is located at 10 Ohio St., at the intersection of the Wabash River and Ohio, but you can’t get to it from Ohio Street. It is easily accessed from Wabash Avenue cul de sac, directly behind the Courthouse. The alternate parking is at the other end of Fairbanks Park from the boat ramp with plenty of room for trucks pulling boat trailers.
They have sold tropical fish for 20 years. There is always feeder goldfish and red wigglers available for the aquarium customers and a lot of fishermen stop to pick up some last-minute bait supplies. They became aware of the need of live bait in Terre Haute since Gander Mountain closed its bait shop. -
RAMBLIN' RECK: Sunday promises to be big day in Indy
Sunday promises to be a super day in Indianapolis.
It’s the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 followed by Indiana vs. Miami in the third game of the National Basketball Association playoffs. -
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. - More Sports Columns Headlines
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