Golf great Byron Nelson dies

IRVING, Texas, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Golf legend Byron Nelson, who won 18 tournaments including a record 11 consecutive PGA events in 1945, has died in Irving, Texas at the age of 94.

A family friend confirmed Nelson's death Tuesday, the Dallas Morning News reported. He died at his home but a cause was not released.

Nelson had a total of 52 PGA victories -- sixth on the all-time PGA win list -- in a career that essentially ended when he was 34. His touring career lasted just 11 years.

In 1945, Nelson won 18 tournaments, including the streak of 11 consecutive outings. He also held the record for most consecutive cuts made at 113, a mark recently broken by Tiger Woods.

Nelson won five major tournament championships -- the 1937 and 1942 Masters, the 1939 U.S. Open and the 1940 and 1945 PGA Championships.