US Congressional gold medal for late Byron Nelson

IRVING, Texas, Apr 28 (Reuters) Byron Nelson, who died last year at the age of 94, has become the first golfer to be awarded the US Congressional gold medal.

The highest honour which can be bestowed on a US citizen was presented to his widow Peggy today at a ceremony held during the third round of the Byron Nelson Championship.

''This really is an extra special day for me and Byron,'' said Peggy. ''He proved with hard work and perseverance you really can do anything.'' Golfing great Nelson, who won an unprecedented 11 successive PGA Tour events in 1945, died of natural causes last September at his ranch in Roanoke, Texas.

Reuters PDS GC0029