Larry Nelson
Larry Nelson (born September 10, 1947) is an American professional golfer who achieved prominence by winning three major championships, capturing 10 PGA Tour events, and securing 19 victories on the PGA Tour Champions, including a record six wins in 2000 that earned him the Jack Nicklaus Award as Player of the Year.[1][2] Born in Fort Payne, Alabama, Nelson did not take up golf until age 21 after serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969, turning professional in 1971 following brief college play at Kennesaw Junior College.[2][3] Nelson's breakthrough on the PGA Tour came in 1979 with his first two victories, leading to a career highlighted by major triumphs: the 1981 PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club by four strokes, the 1983 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club where he set a record with 10-under-par 132 over the final two rounds to win by one stroke, and the 1987 PGA Championship at PGA National.[2][1] He also represented the United States in three Ryder Cup teams (1979, 1981, and 1987), compiling an undefeated 5-0-0 record in his debut and an overall mark of 9-3-1, one of the strongest since the event shifted to USA vs. Europe format in 1979.[2][1] Transitioning to the senior circuit in 1997 upon turning 50, Nelson dominated the PGA Tour Champions, amassing 19 wins and becoming a leading money winner in multiple seasons, with his 2000 campaign standing out for its unprecedented six victories.[2] His contributions to golf were recognized with induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2006 and selection as the 2023 Memorial Tournament honoree.[2] In September 2025, U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley appointed Nelson as an ambassador for the American team at Bethpage Black, honoring his legacy and Vietnam service amid ongoing team preparations.[4][5]Early life
Childhood and family
Larry Nelson was born on September 10, 1947, in Fort Payne, Alabama, to parents Rudell Fant and Vernon Earl Nelson.[6] At the age of four, his family relocated to Acworth, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb northwest of the city, where he grew up and later graduated from North Cobb High School.[7] As a youth in this Southern setting, Nelson pursued outdoor activities and sports other than golf, notably excelling as a baseball player during his early years.[8] In high school, he emerged as a two-sport standout in baseball and basketball, reflecting his athletic inclinations away from the links.[9] Nelson had no exposure to golf during his childhood or teenage years, a pursuit that would only enter his life later in adulthood following his transition to military service.[2]Military service
Following his graduation from North Cobb High School in Acworth, Georgia, in 1965, Larry Nelson was drafted into the U.S. Army in September 1966, just ten days after his 19th birthday.[10] As a newlywed, he underwent 18 months of stateside training before being deployed to Vietnam in March 1968, at the height of the Tet Offensive.[10][2] Nelson served as an infantry squad leader, commanding a team of ten soldiers on patrols and ambushes in dense jungle terrain near Saigon. His unit faced intense combat, with his regiment suffering nearly 300 casualties in the first 90 days of the offensive, exposing him to constant danger from hidden enemies and unpredictable threats.[10] One particularly harrowing night involved his squad lying motionless as a large North Vietnamese Army force passed nearby, an experience he later described as the most terrifying of his tour due to the paralyzing fear and helplessness.[10] Nelson's Vietnam service lasted less than three months before an approved application to return to school allowed him to leave the country, though he completed his enlistment with an honorable discharge in 1969.[10][6] The psychological toll of the war, including the chronic stress of vigilance and loss, fostered a reserved demeanor that he credited with building the mental discipline essential for his later pursuits.[10] Upon returning home, Nelson sought stability through education at Kennesaw Junior College while grappling with the war's lingering effects, ultimately motivating him to explore new outlets for focus and purpose beyond his military past.[10][11]Introduction to golf
Following his discharge from the U.S. Army in 1969 at the age of 21, Larry Nelson discovered golf as a new hobby, prompted by a suggestion from an Army buddy during his Vietnam service.[2][10] For Christmas in 1969, his wife Gayle gave him a set of golf clubs. Nelson taught himself the fundamentals of the game using Ben Hogan's book Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf, which he studied intensively after receiving it from a mentor at his local club.[6][10][2] His first full 18-hole round came in the spring of 1970 at Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw, Georgia, where he broke 100, scoring in the high 90s despite no prior experience.[6][2][12] Progressing rapidly, Nelson broke 70 within nine months of starting, attributing his quick gains to dedicated practice routines that included repeated drills from Hogan's lessons and frequent play on the Pinetree course.[6][13] He soon joined Pinetree Country Club, where he honed his skills through daily sessions between work hours, focusing on grip, stance, and swing plane as outlined in the book.[13][8] This local involvement in Georgia marked the beginning of his immersion in the sport, transforming a casual interest into a structured pursuit.[6]Amateur career
Self-taught development
After returning from military service in Vietnam in 1969, Larry Nelson, then 21 years old, embarked on an intensive self-practice regimen in Georgia to develop his golf skills, drawing initially from Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf for foundational techniques.[6][10] While attending Kennesaw Junior College, from which he graduated in 1970, he began by honing his swing through relentless sessions at local driving ranges, using steel-headed drivers to strike balls over fences, prioritizing straight and long shots before attempting full rounds on courses.[10][14] This trial-and-error approach, combined with daily course play, allowed him to rapidly refine his fundamentals without formal instruction.[15] A key milestone in his development came within nine months, when Nelson achieved his first sub-par round, breaking 70 after starting with scores around 94 on his initial 18-hole outings.[6][10] He joined Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw, Georgia, where he worked as an assistant under pro Bert Seagraves, gaining access to the course for extended practice—often from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.—and benefiting from local mentorship that extended beyond Hogan's principles.[13] Nelson also became a member of Cherokee Town and Country Club in Atlanta, further integrating into Georgia's golf community to support his ongoing skill-building.[16] Nelson's military background profoundly influenced his physical and mental adaptations to golf, instilling a disciplined focus and emotional control honed during 18 months of Army training and combat service.[13] This translated into a methodical practice routine emphasizing consistency and incremental improvement, much like his wartime emphasis on preparation and composure under pressure.[10] Through such self-directed efforts, including guidance from mentors like Seagraves and peers such as Davis Love Jr. on swing plane, Nelson transformed his raw determination into a structured path of amateur proficiency.[10]Key amateur competitions
Nelson's amateur career gained momentum through dominant performances in prominent Georgia tournaments, showcasing his swift adaptation to competitive golf despite starting the sport late. Just months after taking up golf following his military service, he achieved success in regional events such as the Men's Metro Atlanta championship, highlighting his emerging talent and providing essential exposure within the southeastern golf community.[9] Building on this early success, Nelson's record from 1969 to 1971 included consistent contention in amateur circuits, further qualifying him for national-level competitions and solidifying his aspirations to turn professional.[9] His self-taught approach, honed through dedicated practice, enabled this rapid rise to competitiveness against more experienced regional players.[6] During these events, Nelson began interacting with established local golfers, gaining insights that refined his game and prepared him for broader challenges.[9]Professional career
Turning professional
After returning from military service and rapidly developing his game through self-study and local competitions, Nelson turned professional in 1971 at the age of 24.[6] Initially, he took a position as an assistant professional at Pine Tree Country Club in Kennesaw, Georgia, where he focused on club duties rather than immediate competitive play.[6] With financial backing from supportive club members, he left the job in 1972 to relocate to Florida and compete on mini-tours, marking his entry into professional competition.[6] Nelson's early professional efforts yielded modest results; in his debut tournament on the mini-tours, he posted an even-par score and earned just $63.[6] Over 1972 and 1973, he secured two victories on these developmental circuits while navigating significant financial hardships, including reliance on sponsorships and limited prize money to sustain his pursuits.[6] These challenges tested his resolve, as inconsistent performances and travel costs strained his resources during this transitional period.[17] In late 1973, Nelson earned his PGA Tour card on his first attempt at the Qualifying School, a grueling multi-stage event that granted full playing privileges for the 1974 season.[18] He made his PGA Tour debut later that year at the San Antonio Texas Open, concluding the 1973 schedule before fully embarking on the tour in 1974.[18] This achievement built on his amateur successes, such as regional titles, which had honed his competitive edge despite his late start in the sport.[6]PGA Tour years
Nelson earned his PGA Tour card in 1973 after successfully navigating Qualifying School, just four years after taking up the game at age 21. His debut season featured steady, methodical play that helped him secure full exempt status, as he competed in 536 events over his career, making the cut in 363 of them. This consistency laid the foundation for a reliable presence on the tour, where he methodically built his game through extensive practice on mini-tours in Florida during the early 1970s.[19][13] Nelson's playing style was characterized by precise iron play and a strong short game, hallmarks of his self-taught development influenced by studying Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf. His conservative approach to course management, emphasizing discipline and risk avoidance, was shaped by his U.S. Army service in Vietnam, where he served as an artillery forward observer. This methodical mindset allowed him to excel on demanding layouts, prioritizing accuracy over power.[13][10] Throughout the 1970s, Nelson faced significant challenges, including slumps and injuries that tested his resolve as a late entrant to professional golf. These setbacks delayed his breakthrough until the late decade, but his perseverance paid off with improved consistency in the 1980s. He amassed career earnings of $3,827,401 on the PGA Tour, peaking at World No. 12 in the Official World Golf Ranking on July 17, 1988, while recording 92 top-10 finishes and 53 top-5 results that underscored his sustained competitiveness.[19]Champions Tour transition
Nelson turned 50 on September 10, 1997, and promptly joined the Champions Tour, then known as the Senior PGA Tour, marking the beginning of a highly successful second phase in his professional golf career. Drawing on his extensive experience from 10 PGA Tour victories and three major championships, Nelson adapted quickly to the senior circuit despite initial challenges, including nagging neck and arm injuries stemming from a herniated disc that affected his early preparation and performance. His transition was facilitated by a more natural playing style that emerged on the Champions Tour, allowing him to overcome the mechanical tendencies he had developed earlier in his career and leverage his strengths in straight driving and iron play.[6][20][10] Nelson's immediate adaptation led to remarkable dominance, culminating in 19 Champions Tour victories and leading the money list in 2000 with six wins that year alone, earning him the Jack Nicklaus Award as Player of the Year. Key strategies during this period included dietary adjustments recommended by his wife to boost energy and concentration, as well as a reliance on faith and mental resilience to manage physical setbacks without overhauling his swing. He also embraced mentorship roles, contributing to junior golf development through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Junior Golf Camps and later partnering on initiatives like Pro Golf IQ to enhance mental toughness for aspiring players. These elements underscored his ability to extend his competitive edge into senior golf.[3][20][21][22] Nelson's career longevity on the Champions Tour spanned well into the 2000s, with his final victory coming in 2004 at the Administaff Small Business Classic, though he continued selective competitive play, notably shooting his age or better in events as late as 2013. By the early 2010s, around age 63, he retired from full-time competition, shifting focus away from the rigors of regular tour play while maintaining involvement in golf through ambassadorial roles, such as serving as a U.S. Ryder Cup team ambassador in 2025. This extended phase highlighted his enduring impact on the sport, built on disciplined preparation and adaptive strategies suited to aging.[3][23][24][4]Tournament wins
PGA Tour wins (10)
Nelson's 10 PGA Tour victories spanned from 1979 to 1988, with a notable concentration in the early and mid-1980s that highlighted his peak performance during that decade. These wins included three major championships and demonstrated his consistency in stroke-play events, though several were decided in playoffs. Below is a chronological summary of each victory, including the tournament details, course, margin of victory, and first-place purse.| Year | Tournament | Course | Score | Margin | Purse (1st Place) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Jackie Gleason-Inverrary Classic | Inverrary Country Club, Lauderhill, Florida | 274 (−14) | 3 strokes (over Grier Jones) | $54,000 [25] |
| 1979 | Western Open | Butler National Golf Club, Oak Brook, Illinois | 286 (−2) | Playoff (over Ben Crenshaw) | $54,000 [26] |
| 1980 | Atlanta Classic | Atlanta Country Club, Marietta, Georgia | 270 (−18) | 7 strokes (over Don Pooley and Andy Bean) | $54,000 [27] |
| 1981 | Greater Greensboro Open | Forest Oaks Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina | 281 (−7) | Playoff (over Mark Hayes) | $54,000 [28] |
| 1981 | PGA Championship | Atlanta Athletic Club, Duluth, Georgia | 273 (−7) | 4 strokes (over Fuzzy Zoeller) | $60,000 [29] [30] |
| 1983 | U.S. Open | Oakmont Country Club, Oakmont, Pennsylvania | 280 (−4) | 1 stroke (over Tom Watson) | $72,000 [31] |
| 1984 | Walt Disney World Golf Classic | Walt Disney World Resort (Magnolia Course), Lake Buena Vista, Florida | 266 (−22) | 1 stroke (over Greg Norman and Denis Watson) | $72,000 [32] [33] |
| 1987 | PGA Championship | PGA National Golf Club, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida | 287 (−1) | Playoff (over Lanny Wadkins) | $150,000 [34] [35] |
| 1987 | Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Classic | Walt Disney World Resort (Magnolia, Palm, and Lake Buena Vista Courses), Lake Buena Vista, Florida | 268 (−20) | 1 stroke (over Morris Hatalsky and Mark O'Meara) | $108,000 [36] [37] |
| 1988 | Georgia-Pacific Atlanta Golf Classic | Atlanta Country Club, Marietta, Georgia | 268 (−20) | 1 stroke (over Chip Beck) | $126,000 [38] [23] |
International and other wins (6)
Larry Nelson demonstrated his versatility beyond the PGA Tour by securing victories on international circuits, notably the PGA of Japan Tour, where he won four times between 1980 and 1991. These triumphs showcased his ability to compete against top Asian and international talent on demanding layouts, contributing to his global reputation and broadening his professional exposure. In addition to these, Nelson claimed two other notable professional wins in non-tour events, underscoring his early career development and post-major success. His Japan Tour victories included:| Year | Tournament | Venue | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Tokai Classic | Aichi Country Club, Aichi | 274 (−14) |
| 1983 | Dunlop International Open | Ibaraki Golf Club, Ibaraki | 201 (−12) |
| 1989 | Suntory Open | Chiba Prince Hotel, Chiba | 276 (−12) |
| 1991 | Dunlop Phoenix Tournament | Phoenix Country Club, Miyazaki | 276 (−12) |
Champions Tour wins (19)
Larry Nelson enjoyed a highly successful tenure on the Champions Tour, securing 19 victories between 1998 and 2004, with his most dominant performance coming in 2000 when he captured six titles, led the money list with $2,027,465 in earnings, and earned the Jack Nicklaus Award as Player of the Year.[2][6] His wins spanned a range of events, including the 2001 MasterCard Championship, where he finished at 19-under par (197) to edge Jim Thorpe by one stroke at Hualalai Golf Club in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.[40] Nelson's precise iron play and steady putting were hallmarks of his senior success, often resulting in wire-to-wire or multi-stroke triumphs. Nelson's Champions Tour victories, listed chronologically:- 1998 American Express Invitational, February 22–23, Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico: Won by 4 strokes with a 54-hole total of 203 (13-under par).[41]
- 1998 Pittsburgh Senior Classic, July 23–26, Quail Valley Golf Club, Missouri City, Texas: Defeated the field by two strokes.
- 1998 Boone Valley Classic, September 11–13, Boone Valley Golf Club, Town and Country, Missouri: Secured a three-stroke victory.
- 1999 GTE Classic, October 22–24, Four Seasons Resort, Horseshoe Bay Resort, Texas: Won by four strokes.
- 1999 Bruno's Memorial Classic, October 29–31, Plantation Golf Club, Alabama: Prevailed in a playoff over Hale Irwin.
- 2000 Las Vegas Senior Classic, April 20–23, TPC at Summerlin, Las Vegas, Nevada: Shot a final-round 64 to win by five strokes at 19-under par (197).[42]
- 2000 Boone Valley Classic, May 19–21, Boone Valley Golf Club, Town and Country, Missouri: Claimed a two-stroke margin.
- 2000 FleetBoston Classic, June 2–4, Nashawtucq Country Club, Concord, Massachusetts: Won by three strokes.
- 2000 Foremost Insurance Championship, August 18–20, TPC of Michigan, Dearborn, Michigan: Edged the competition by one stroke.
- 2000 Bank One Senior Championship, September 1–3, NCR Country Club, Sugar Valley, Ohio: Secured victory by four strokes.
- 2000 Vantage Championship, October 20–22, The Club at Longview, Sparrows Point, Maryland: Finished two strokes ahead.
- 2001 MasterCard Championship, January 19–21, Hualalai Golf Club, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii: Won by one stroke at 19-under par (197).[40]
- 2001 Royal Caribbean Classic, February 4–5, Key Biscayne, Florida: Triumphed by one point in modified Stableford scoring.
- 2001 FleetBoston Classic, June 1–3, Nashawtucq Country Club, Concord, Massachusetts: Won by three strokes.
- 2001 Farmers Charity Classic, September 7–9, The Greens at Warwick Hills, Grand Blanc, Michigan: Prevailed by two strokes.
- 2001 SBC Championship, October 18–21, The Greens at Hidden Creek, Norwood, Louisiana: Closed with a birdie to win by one stroke.
- 2003 Constellation Energy Classic, May 16–18, Baltimore Country Club, Timonium, Maryland: Secured a one-stroke victory.
- 2004 FedEx Kinko's Classic, May 7–9, Nicklaus Golf Club at Blue Jack National, Houston, Texas: Won in a playoff over Hale Irwin.
- 2004 Administaff Small Business Classic, October 15–17, The Woodlands Country Club, The Woodlands, Texas: Defeated Hale Irwin in a playoff with a birdie on the first extra hole.[23]
Senior and other wins (6)
In addition to his official Champions Tour triumphs, Larry Nelson extended his competitive longevity through participation in non-official senior events, including team-based pro-ams, match-play challenges, and multi-tour exhibitions during the late 1990s and 2000s. These peripheral achievements, often featuring collaborative formats with fellow professionals or family members, allowed Nelson to remain engaged in high-level golf beyond standard stroke-play tournaments, fostering camaraderie and showcasing his precision in alternative settings. All were unofficial money events not counting toward Champions Tour titles, emphasizing enjoyment and special occasions over rankings pressure. The following table summarizes Nelson's six notable senior and other wins in this category:| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge | Partnered with Hale Irwin and Gil Morgan for the Senior PGA Tour squad, securing victory in the annual TV event against PGA and LPGA representatives at Grand Cypress Golf Club.[44] |
| 1999 | Chrysler Senior Match Play Challenge | Won the individual match-play title at TPC Dorado Beach (East Course), Dorado, Puerto Rico, defeating Tom Jenkins 3 and 2 in the final after advancing through bracket play.[23] |
| 2002 | Del Webb Father/Son Challenge | Teamed with son Josh to win the 36-hole team event at Lake Nona Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, posting a combined 24-under-par total for a three-stroke victory.[45] |
| 2004 | Office Depot Father/Son Challenge | Paired with son Drew to claim the title at Lake Nona Golf Club, finishing at 13-under-par 59 in the final round for a two-stroke win over the field.[46] |
| 2007 | Del Webb Father/Son Challenge | Competed with son Josh at Lake Nona Golf Club, shooting consecutive 12-under 60s for a 24-under total and a five-stroke margin of victory.[47] |
Playoff record
PGA Tour playoffs
During his PGA Tour career, Larry Nelson participated in five playoffs, securing victories in three of them, which contributed significantly to his total of 10 professional wins. These sudden-death playoffs highlighted his clutch performance under pressure, often against top competitors, and helped build momentum during key phases of his career in the late 1970s and 1980s. The following table summarizes Nelson's PGA Tour playoff appearances:| Year | Tournament | Opponent(s) | Format | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Danny Thomas Memphis Classic | Gil Morgan | Sudden-death | Lost to Morgan with birdie on second playoff hole[19] |
| 1979 | Western Open | Ben Crenshaw | Sudden-death | Won with birdie on second playoff hole[19] |
| 1981 | Greater Greensboro Open | Mark Hayes | Sudden-death | Won with par on first playoff hole[19] |
| 1987 | PGA Championship | Lanny Wadkins | Sudden-death | Won with par on third playoff hole after matching birdies on first two[19] |
| 1989 | GTE Byron Nelson Golf Classic | Jodie Mudd | Sudden-death | Lost to Mudd with birdie on first playoff hole[19] |
Champions Tour playoffs
Nelson's first playoff appearance on the Champions Tour came at the 1998 Cadillac NFL Golf Classic, where he tied Bob Dickson and Jim Colbert at 9-under par after 54 holes. In the sudden-death playoff on the par-4 18th hole, Dickson made a 20-foot birdie putt to win, while Nelson missed a 5-foot birdie attempt.[48][49] Later that year, at the rain-shortened Kroger Senior Classic (reduced to 36 holes due to weather), Nelson joined Hugh Baiocchi, Bob Charles, Bruce Summerhays, and Frank Conner in a five-way tie at 7-under par. Baiocchi secured the victory with a 15-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole at the par-5 18th, after all parred the first extra hole, eliminating the field including Nelson.[50][48] In 2000, Nelson reached a playoff at The Countrywide Tradition, tying Tom Kite and Tom Watson at 8-under par. He was eliminated on the second extra hole with a bogey, as Kite went on to defeat Watson on the sixth playoff hole to claim the senior major.[51][52] Nelson's playoff success began at the 2000 Vantage Championship, where he tied Gil Morgan and Jim Dent at 12-under par after 54 holes. In sudden-death format starting on the 18th, Dent was eliminated early, and after four holes of pars and birdies, Nelson made a 5-foot birdie putt on the sixth extra hole (also the par-4 18th) to defeat Morgan.[53][23] His final Champions Tour playoff victory occurred at the 2004 Administaff Small Business Classic, rallying from seven strokes behind with an 8-under 64 to tie Hale Irwin at 14-under par. On the first extra hole (par-4 18th), Nelson converted a 5-foot birdie putt for the win, while Irwin's attempt was thwarted by glare from the setting sun.[54][55] Over five Champions Tour playoffs, Nelson compiled a 2–3 record, contributing to his 19 total victories on the tour and underscoring his strong performance in high-pressure situations during his senior career.[3]Major championships
Wins (3)
Larry Nelson secured three major championships during his career, all between 1981 and 1987, establishing him as one of the most resilient players of his era, particularly notable given his late start in golf after serving in Vietnam.[11] These victories highlighted his precision driving, mental fortitude, and ability to capitalize on challenging conditions, often against top competition like Tom Watson and Fuzzy Zoeller.[56] Each win came at demanding venues, underscoring Nelson's strategic course management and steady play under pressure.[57]1981 PGA Championship
Nelson's first major triumph occurred at the 1981 PGA Championship held at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia, where he finished at 7-under-par 273 to win by four strokes over runner-up Fuzzy Zoeller.[58] As a local resident from nearby Acworth, Georgia, Nelson commuted daily to the course, leveraging his familiarity with the layout during hot and humid conditions that tested the field's endurance.[56] His strategy emphasized accuracy off the tee—he hit 48 of 56 fairways, the best in the field—and solid iron play into soft greens, allowing him to avoid major trouble while others faltered.[59] In the final round, Nelson carded a 1-over 71, highlighted by a crucial par save on the 18th after a wayward drive, maintaining his lead as Zoeller collapsed with bogeys on the last two holes.[60] This victory, his first on the PGA Tour in nearly two years, marked a turning point, validating his transition from club professional to elite competitor and boosting his confidence for future majors.[56]1983 U.S. Open
At the 1983 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, Nelson overcame a seven-shot deficit after two rounds to claim the title with an even-par 280, edging out Tom Watson by one stroke.[61] The tournament's final rounds were disrupted by thunderstorms, suspending play after Nelson's 15th hole on Sunday, resuming Monday amid soft conditions that favored aggressive play.[62] His comeback featured a record-setting 132 over the last 36 holes (65-67), driven by precise approach shots and bold putting on Oakmont's lightning-fast greens.[63] A pivotal moment came on the par-3 16th hole (his 70th of the tournament), where Nelson drained a 62-foot birdie putt with a sharp left-to-right break, seizing a lead he never relinquished as Watson bogeyed the 72nd.[64] Nelson's mental toughness, honed from his Vietnam service as an infantry soldier, shone through in navigating the course's notorious bunkers and rough without a single three-putt.[65] This win, his second major in two years, solidified his reputation as a clutch performer and remains the only U.S. Open victory at Oakmont by a player who barely made the cut.[66]1987 PGA Championship
Nelson's third and final major came at the 1987 PGA Championship at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where he posted a 1-under 287—the highest winning score in PGA Championship history at the time—before defeating Lanny Wadkins in a sudden-death playoff.[35] Extreme heat exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit and gusty winds scorched the field, leading to inflated scores and numerous withdrawals, but Nelson's conservative strategy of laying up on risky holes and excelling in short-game recovery kept him in contention.[67] Starting the final round three shots back, he fired an even-par 72, highlighted by a gritty par save on the 18th from a greenside bunker, forcing the playoff after Wadkins also birdied the 72nd.[68] In the playoff, both parred the first two holes, but on the par-4 third, Wadkins' approach found water, leading to bogey, while Nelson's safe par clinched the Wanamaker Trophy.[57] As a 40-year-old Vietnam veteran who had taken up golf only after his military service, this victory symbolized his enduring perseverance, capping a decade of major contention and enhancing his legacy as an underappreciated major champion.[69]Results timeline
Larry Nelson's performances in major championships spanned from 1976 to 2006, with participation in all four majors (the Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship) varying by year. The following table details his finishes chronologically, using standard notations: "1" for winner, "T" followed by position for ties, numerical position for solo finishes, "CUT" for missed cut, "WD" for withdrawal, "DQ" for disqualification, and blank cells for did not play (DNP).[70]| Year | Masters Tournament | U.S. Open | The Open Championship | PGA Championship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | T21 | T34 | ||
| 1977 | T54 | T54 | ||
| 1978 | CUT | T12 | ||
| 1979 | T31 | T4 | T28 | |
| 1980 | T6 | T60 | T12 | CUT |
| 1981 | CUT | T20 | 1 | |
| 1982 | T7 | T19 | T32 | CUT |
| 1983 | CUT | 1 | T53 | T36 |
| 1984 | 5 | CUT | CUT | CUT |
| 1985 | T36 | T39 | T55 | T23 |
| 1986 | T36 | T35 | CUT | CUT |
| 1987 | CUT | CUT | T48 | 1 |
| 1988 | T33 | T62 | T13 | T38 |
| 1989 | CUT | T13 | CUT | T46 |
| 1990 | 48 | T14 | CUT | |
| 1991 | 55 | T3 | CUT | |
| 1992 | DQ | CUT | T28 | |
| 1993 | T46 | T56 | ||
| 1994 | CUT | CUT | ||
| 1995 | CUT | |||
| 1996 | WD | |||
| 1997 | CUT | T71 | ||
| 1999 | CUT | |||
| 2001 | CUT | |||
| 2002 | CUT | |||
| 2006 | CUT |
Performance summary
Larry Nelson recorded eight top-10 finishes in major championships across his career, highlighting his ability to compete at the highest level despite a late start in the sport. He made the cut in 62% of his major appearances, demonstrating strong consistency in these demanding events.[71][6] In the Masters Tournament, Nelson's best result was a tie for fifth place in 1984, where he finished at 7-under par; he made nine cuts in 14 starts but had fewer opportunities due to the event's strict invitation criteria. At the U.S. Open, his standout performance was a victory in 1983 at Oakmont Country Club, where he posted a final-round 67 to win by one stroke, one of his three top-10 finishes in the event (including T4 in 1979 and T3 in 1991). For the PGA Championship, Nelson secured two wins—in 1981 at Atlanta Athletic Club (four-stroke margin) and 1987 at PGA National (playoff over Lanny Wadkins)—establishing his best results there with no average scoring data publicly detailed beyond those triumphs. He achieved no top-10 finishes in The Open Championship across nine appearances, with his strongest showing a tie for 12th in 1980 at Muirfield. As one of golf's notable late bloomers—beginning serious play at age 21 after military service—Nelson's major success in the 1980s broke a personal drought, positioning him among the few players to claim three titles after turning professional in their mid-20s. This era of achievement underscored his resilience and precision, particularly in the PGA Championship, where he excelled relative to other venues.[6][7]The Players Championship
Results overview
Larry Nelson participated in The Players Championship annually from its inception in 1974 through 1990, compiling a record that highlighted his competitive prowess in this prestigious invitational event, often dubbed the "fifth major" due to its elite field and challenging Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. His performances underscored a strong mid-1970s to early 1980s phase, where he notched three top-10 finishes, reflecting his accuracy and steady play on the demanding layout. Although later years saw more missed cuts amid a shifting PGA Tour landscape, Nelson's earlier consistency contributed to his reputation as a reliable contender in high-stakes tournaments.[72] Nelson's best result was a fourth-place finish in 1978, finishing four strokes behind winner Jack Nicklaus with a total of 292 on the par-72 course. He came close to victory on multiple occasions, including an eighth-place tie in 1977 and a tenth-place in 1982, where his opening-round 67 set an early pace before a third-round 77 dropped him back. These top-10s demonstrated his proximity to winning, particularly in 1978 when he trailed by just two entering the final round.[72] The following table summarizes Nelson's yearly finishes in The Players Championship from 1974 to 1990, based on available records:| Year | Finish | To Par | Scores | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | CUT | +6 | 75-75 | Missed cut by 2 |
| 1975 | 71 | +21 | 73-74-77-77 | |
| 1976 | 39 | -1 | 70-74-71-72 | |
| 1977 | T8 | +6 | 74-74-73-73 | Top-10 finish |
| 1978 | 4 | +4 | 71-72-75-74 | Career-best, 4th place |
| 1979 | 20 | +10 | 72-75-74-77 | |
| 1980 | DQ | - | 69-78 | Disqualified |
| 1981 | CUT | +8 | 74-78 | |
| 1982 | T10 | -1 | 67-72-77-71 | Top-10 finish |
| 1983 | CUT | +17 | 83-78 | |
| 1984 | T64 | +11 | 75-72-74-78 | |
| 1985 | CUT | +8 | 76-76 | |
| 1986 | CUT | +5 | 72-77 | |
| 1987 | CUT | 0 | 73-71 | |
| 1988 | CUT | +7 | 73-78 | |
| 1989 | T67 | +7 | 70-75-72-78 | |
| 1990 | T16 | +1 | 71-73-74-71 | Solid mid-pack finish |