Larry Gene Nelson was born on September 10, 1947, in Fort Payne, Alabama. He grew up in Acworth, Georgia, northwest of Atlanta. Growing up, he focused on basketball and baseball, not golf. He did not pick up a golf club until he was 21, after returning from serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Nelson quickly showed talent for the game. He broke 100 on his first round and went on to shoot in the 70s within nine months.
Nelson turned professional in 1971. He qualified for the PGA Tour in 1973. His breakthrough year came in 1979 when he won two tournaments and finished second on the money list. Over his career, he won 10 PGA Tour events, including three major championships. He won the 1981 PGA Championship and the 1983 U.S. Open. Nelson also played for the U.S. Ryder Cup team three times.
He found success internationally, winning tournaments on the Japan Golf Tour and in New Zealand. After turning 50, Nelson enjoyed a successful Champions Tour career, winning 19 times. He also designed golf courses and created the LagRx Swing Trainer.
Nelson’s connection to Acworth is strong. It is the place he called home during his early years, where he grew up and discovered his love for sports.
