Nelson was born in Fort Payne, Alabama and grew up in Acworth, Georgia, northwest of Atlanta.

He did not play the game growing up – atypical for a successful professional golfer – focusing on basketball and baseball.

In 1983, Nelson was victorious at the U.S. Open at Oakmont coming from seven behind at the halfway point to defeat Tom Watson by a single shot.

Nelson also finished runner-up at the 1982 Dunlop Phoenix Tournament, 1985 Suntory Open, and the 1987 Mitsui Sumitomo Visa Taiheiyo Masters in Japan.

Nelson is also active in golf course design and created the LagRx Swing Trainer to help golfers condition and improve their muscle memory.

The award "honors outstanding individuals who display leadership and humanitarian qualities, including integrity, sportsmanship and enthusiasm for the game of golf".

[5] PGA Tour playoff record (3–2) *Note: The 1983 Dunlop International Open was shortened to 54 holes due to rain.