One of golf's all time greatest players is being honored posthumously by the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) at its annual awards dinner. Byron Nelson, whose name is synonymous with class and greatness, will be bestowed with the prestigious Don A. Rossi Award.

"Mr. Nelson was not only a great player, but he truly was an outstanding ambassador of the game of golf," said Paul Foley, GCBAA executive director. "He has been a monumental force in the growth or our sport, and subsequently in the growth in golf course construction."

The award will be presented at the GCBAA's Annual Awards Dinner being held on Friday, February 6 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel beginning at 6:30. Peggy Nelson will be receiving the award on behalf of her late husband.

The Rossi award is given annually by the GCBAA to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of golf and its growth, and who have inspired others by its example. It is named for Don A. Rossi, who served as President of the National Golf Foundation from 1970 to 1983, was instrumental in forming the National Golf Course Owner's Association and served as Executive Director of the GCBAA from 1984 to 1990.

Nelson established him self as a great player in the 1930's and 1940's by winning 52 PGA events, including five Major Championships. Many experts point to his 11 consecutive tournament wins in 1945 as his single greatest achievement. It is a PGA record that stands today. His second most recognized accomplishment was making 113 consecutive PGA tournament cuts, only surpassed by the great Tiger Woods in recent years.

Nelson was born near Waxahachie, Texas in 1912 and passed away at the age of 94 in 2006. He received numerous honors including the PGA Lifetime Achievement Award (1997), induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame (1974), the Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (1994) and the Congressional Golf Medal (2006)

About the GCBAA and the GCBAA Foundation
The Golf Course Builders Association of America is a non-profit trade association of the world's foremost golf course builders and leading suppliers to the golf course construction industry. It was founded in the early 1970s and its members represent all segments of the golf course industry. The GCBAA Foundation is the charitable arm of the GCBAA and a separate, 501(c)(3) organization. The GCBAA's national executive office is located in Lincoln, Neb. For more information, visit www.gcbaa.org or call (402) 476-4444.