Texas History Minute
He had 21 professional wins before World War II erupted. While many other athletes served in the war, Nelson’s hemophilia prevented him from serving. Nevertheless, he continued to play on the PGA Tour and worked to raise money for the war effort. He defeated his old friend Ben Hogan in a dramatic playoff in the 1942 Masters Tournament. The war caused most professional athletics to shut down for 1943, but Nelson came roaring back in 1944, winning eight tournaments in the shortened season.