Jack talks about the passing of Byron Nelson

"Barbara and I are deeply saddened by the news of Byron's passing. He lived a long and rich life, and I think it is safe to say that for all that the game of golf did for Byron Nelson, he gave back to the game tenfold. Byron Nelson was, without question, one of the greatest players our game has seen. When you talk about people who provided the foundation for the modern game of golf, Bryon Nelson is one of the first names you must mention. I think the only thing that rivals Byron's greatness on a golf course is the manner in which he conducted his life-as a gentleman, a role model and an ambassador. Our thoughts and prayers are with Peggy during this very difficult and sad time."

"I still remember that day when I was 14 years old, and I watched Byron conduct a clinic at Los Angeles Country Club. I was there for the U.S. Junior Championship. The golf club had just put in an irrigation system, and there was a trench line for the system right in the middle of the fairway in which Byron was hitting balls. It never seemed like the balls he hit moved more than a step off that trench line for every club in the bag he used. All of us kids just sat there and watched in amazement. I have never seen a man hit a ball straighter, before then or since. It has been forever etched into my memory. In my opinion, Byron Nelson's life has never been any different than his play was that day - straight down the middle. One of the treats associated with returning each year to Augusta National for the Masters Champions Dinner was to see Byron. He will be sorely missed not only by Barbara and me, but by golf fans around the world."

--Jack Nicklaus