What They're Saying: Byron Nelson

The late, great Byron Nelson is being laid to rest on Friday in Roanoke, Texas.

Nelson once said of himself, in typically humble fashion, "I don't know very much. I know a little bit about golf. I know how to make a stew. And I know how to be a decent man."

Here's what others in the golf world are saying about Lord Byron:

• PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem:

The golf world suffered a devastating loss with the passing of a true gentleman, Byron Nelson. He was a legend who transcended generations and was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. Our players, young and old, looked to Byron as the consummate role model of our sport. His legacy spans across his historic performances, the gentle and dignified way he carried himself and his tremendous contributions to golf and society.

Byron often said that he was more proud of the record-setting charitable contributions generated by the tournament that bears his name than he was of his own personal accomplishments. In so many ways, Byron was a mentor to me, and I feel very blessed that he shared with me his passion and perspective on the game. I will miss him dearly.

• Ben Crenshaw:

We have lost a giant in the game ... someone who elevated the game in every way: as a player, an ambassador and a gentleman. Whoever came up with "Lord Byron," they got it exactly right.

• Tiger Woods:

He retired early. All he wanted to do was make enough money to buy his ranch. If he had kept playing like guys do now, more than likely he would have won more tournaments than anyone.

• Jack Nicklaus:

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 10-fold.

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.

• Arnold Palmer:

He was one of the great people of all time, in addition to being one of the greatest players who ever lived. His record speaks for itself.

I don't think that anyone will ever exceed the things that Byron did by winning 11 tournaments in a row in one year.

But, I suppose that is not the most admirable thing that he did, although it was certainly tremendous. He was a fantastic person whom I admired from the time I was a boy. He just did nothing during his long life but make great contributions to the game of golf and life itself.

• Tom Watson:

For many Byron will be remembered for his incredible record as a professional golfer, including winning 11 tournaments in a row. But he will be most remembered for the genuineness and gentleness he brought to all those around him. I will miss him, but I will always remember what he taught me.

Byron is an icon of golf. But more important, he was a good man, in the true sense of the word.

• Tiger Woods, speaking of meeting Nelson as a junior golfer:

I'll never forget when he pulled me aside ... and basically gave his opinion on my game and things that might be pitfalls in the future, what I should do. I was pretty impressionable, a really young kid, and he was a guy I idolized. He didn't have to do that. It really touched me. Without a doubt, Mr. Nelson has been one of the role models of my life.

• Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club:

Byron has meant so much to so many people, and has been an integral and important part of this Tournament since he first played here in 1935. Byron will be sorely missed at this year's Champions dinner and will be remembered in perpetuity as players cross the bridge at No. 13 that bears his name.

• Lee Trevino, speaking of Nelson's 1945 season:

I look at his scoring average (68.33) and that was impressive. If you'd give him today's equipment and golf balls then that average might be in the 65 range. It's amazing what he did.

• Jack Nicklaus, speaking to Nelson in 2002:

I still look back to when I was 14 years old and that day I watched you conduct a clinic at Los Angeles Country Club. I have never seen a man hit a ball straighter, before then or since. It has been forever etched into my mind.

In my opinion, your life has never been any different than you were that day, straight down the middle.

• Roger Warren, president of the PGA of America:

Byron Nelson symbolized golf with a grace that embodied the game. The PGA of America and the game of golf have lost one of our teaching and playing giants, as well as one of the greatest ambassadors the game has ever known.