Tom Watson to receive Byron Nelson Prize

Irving, TX, May 5, 2010 – The Salesmanship Club of Dallas announced today that Tom Watson will be awarded the 2010 Byron Nelson Prize at the HP Byron Nelson Championship Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, May 18.

The Byron Nelson Prize, underwritten by philanthropist T. Boone Pickens, is awarded to a person in the golf world who embodies the same philanthropic spirit for which Byron Nelson was known. A nominating committee comprised of leaders in the golf industry, golf media and previous Prize recipients submits candidates each year and the final selection is made by a committee of the Salesmanship Club of Dallas.

“I am truly humbled in receiving the Byron Nelson Prize in honor of a man who means so much to me,” Watson said. “He taught me much, much more than golf.”

 Each year the Salesmanship Club makes a $100,000 contribution to the charity of the Prize recipient’s choice. Watson has chosen Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Robert Packard Center for ALS Research and the First Tee Scholarship Program of Greater Kansas City to receive the charitable contribution.

 “Tom truly exemplifies the legacy of Byron Nelson, and we are honored to present him with this award in Byron’s name,” said Salesmanship Club of Dallas president Scott Ragland. “While Tom is a true champion on the golf course, he also understands how much he received from the game and treats it with the utmost respect. His involvement in his community and his tireless efforts to raise money for a number of charities is inspiring, and I’m confident Byron would be proud of this choice.”

The 2010 HP Byron Nelson Championship will be played May 17-23 at the TPC Four Seasons Resort and Club Las Colinas in Irving. The Opening Ceremony will be held at noon on Tuesday, May 18 in the Verandah at the Four Seasons. The ceremony is free and open to the public.

 About the HP Byron Nelson Championship

The HP Byron Nelson Championship has been a premier event on the PGA TOUR since 1968. Dallas’ biggest sports attraction and most anticipated social event of the spring is also the most financially successful charity event on the PGA TOUR, raising over $112 million for children and families served by Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers. Join the great time in 2010 – May 17-23 at the Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. A Great Time. A Greater Cause. Learn more at hpbnc.org.

About the Byron Nelson Prize

The Salesmanship Club of Dallas created the Byron Nelson Prize shortly after Nelson’s death to honor his great legacy both on and off the golf course. The Prize is underwritten by philanthropist T. Boone Pickens and is awarded to an individual or organization involved in the sport of golf who exemplifies the ideals of giving back that Nelson personified. The recipient is awarded a $100,000 contribution to the charity of his/her choice. The selection committee seeks candidates with Nelson’s most notable attributes of integrity, sportsmanship and perseverance while exhibiting a proven track record of “giving back” to the game and to their community.

 Previous recipients of the Byron Nelson Prize include:

                               2009:    Arnold Palmer

                              2008:     Ken Venturi

                             2007:      Tom Lehman

Share and Enjoy !

Shares