
The statue of Byron Nelson looks normal size from 30 yards but up close his story is so inspirational it is bigger than life.
I had the pleasure of corresponding with Mrs. Peggy Nelson who I met at the 2010 BNC when she released her book, Life with Lord Byron: Laughter, Romance, and Lessons Learned from Golf's Greatest Gentleman. Here is a Q&A with Mrs. Nelson:Andy Reistetter, Journey to Olympic Golf: What are your personal thoughts about the Olympics? What is your favorite event, favorite Olympian, most memorable moment and why? Did you and Byron watch them on TV or ever attend in person? Do you have any recollection of conversations you had with Byron about the Olympics in general?
Mrs. Nelson: Byron and I always admired Olympic athletes and the dedication and sacrifice it takes for both them and their families to reach that highest point of endeavor, no matter which sport it is. My favorite event would be figure skating, and Peggy Fleming was quite a heroine for me--I was honored to meet her one day many years ago and she was so lovely and gracious--every inch the champion still. Of course, her Olympic victory was before the event became so prodigiously athletic with all the requirements for multiple jumps, so grace and fluidity were more important.
Byron and I never attended an Olympic event but watched quite a bit on TV, and were always amazed at the talent and determination the athletes displayed. We didn't talk about it a lot nor do I recall Byron saying anything specific about the events, though he enjoyed watching. I think he liked the summer sports more, because he was never a fan of cold and snow!
Andy Reistetter, Journey to Olympic Golf: Byron played on two Ryder Cups and captained a third team. What did it mean to him to play for his country? What emotion would characterize it best? What thought or story was his favorite about the Ryder Cup?
Mrs. Nelson: Byron loved playing and captaining in the Ryder Cup--he said being selected captain by the team was the greatest honor he ever received in golf. Of course, he loved America and so was very proud to play for the USA; at the same time, when the Ryder Cup was held in Portland, Oregon in '47 and the British team's expenses were provided by an American. Byron was very pleased to be part of that team as well as being glad the competition could resume. As for stories, you might check his autobiography How I Played the Game, because there are several in there.
Andy Reistetter, Journey to Olympic Golf: Golf will be played in the Olympics for the first time in 112 years in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. In your opinion, what would it have meant to Byron to be an Olympic Golfer? How do you think he would have defined the "Olympic Spirit for Golfers?" How would it have differed, if in any way, from his Ryder Cup experience?
Mrs. Nelson: One of the things Byron admired about both the Ryder Cup and the Olympics was the spirit of good sportsmanship that pervades both types of competition. I don't know that he ever realized there had been golf in the Olympics so long before he was even born, but he surely would have loved to be on the American team--well, if he could maybe have qualified ....!
Good luck with your Olympic Story!
Peggy Nelson
Thank you Mrs. Peggy Nelson for your wonderful insight and sharing Byron with his admiring golf fans through your book and theses responses. Andy Reistetter, Journey to Olympic Golf
CLICK here for Part 1 of a Video Interview with Tim Cusick, Director of Golf Instruction, Four Seasons Resort & Spa Dallas. CLICK here for Part 2 of a Video Interview with Tim Cusick, Director of Golf Instruction, Four Seasons Resort & Spa Dallas.
Andy Reistetter with Vail Tolbert, Director of Public Relations at the Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas.
no images were found
Speak Your Mind