May 13, 1979: Watson Wins The Byron Nelson Classic For The Third Time

   

     On May 13, 1979, Tom Watson became the first golfer to win the Byron Nelson Classic by dropping a birdie in the first hole of a sudden death playoff against Bill Rogers. Watson's dominance at the course based in Irving, Texas continued in 1980 when he took the top prize at the Byron Nelson Classic again, and in 1981 he nearly claimed it once more only to lose in a playoff. One of the best golfers in the World during his peak, Watson claimed 2 victories at The Masters, 1 victory at the U.S. Open, and 5 wins at the British Open. His 39 wins on the PGA Tour ranks 11th on the all time list. Watson found his spot in the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1988.