Significant Horton Smith Signed Letter

Critical of Byron Nelson Wartime Record

         Two things are important to note before reflecting upon the significance of this letter:

1. Horton Smith is widely regarded as one of the nicest and most likeable golfers in history;

2. Byron Nelson's record breaking 1945 season, when he won 18 of 35 PGA events including 11 in a row, is considered one of the greatest achievements in golf history.

        Now with that out of the way, check out this original 2 page letter from 1946. The letter comes from Horton Smith, who candidly responds to a friend about, among other things, by being very critical of Byron Nelson. This letter was written in January 1946 while Horton Smith was in military service and on the heels of Byron Nelson tearing apart the depleted golf tournament fields in 1945.

Parts of this letter include:

"You are very correct about [Byron] Nelson being a product of times. He had ABILITY long ago but never the composure, confidence, etc."

"I have always felt Nelson leaned forward and too much to the left on his putts. Also that his philosophy, if any, was poor. He has been aggressive and greedy on the greens as far as I have observed. Also that "I hit a beautiful 3 iron 6 feet from cup and I am ENTITLED to the putt" attitude."

This original Horton Smith letter is signed at the bottom "Horton".