The early trailblazer of the modern day golf swing is recognized as Byron Nelson of Texas. Nelson is one of many great PGA Tour players that have influenced the DaVinci Golf line of outstanding golf swing devices. Nelson pioneered the use of increased leg drive on the golf downswing and forerunner of modern swing techniques.

Byron Nelson was born in 1912 and his professional career spanned from 1935 – 1946. Amazingly, two of his biggest rivals, Ben Hogan and Sam Snead, were born within 7 months of Nelson during the same year, 1912. At age 11, Nelson barely survived a case of typhoid fever which left him unable to sire children. Nelson was a caddy as a teenager and would practice after dark using a white handkerchief over the hole. Nelson came from very modest means and was virtually broke when he won his first tournament in 1935.

Nelson has many accomplishments including 5 major championships and had a magical year in 1945 winning a record 11 straight tournaments and a total of 18 first places. Nelson retired early at age 34 and spent most of his time as a rancher in Texas and a commentator on early golf broadcasts. Nelson organized his own tournament in the Dallas area and the Byron Nelson Championship became one of the main stops on the PGA Tour. Nelson regularly played in his tournament until 1965 garnering 6 Top 10 finishes. Nelson was elected to the Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.