Know Your Bulldog: Ben Nelson
February 05, 2019 | Men's Golf
By McRae Clay, Student Assistant/Communications
Family is something extremely important to MSU men's golfer Ben Nelson. It was the reason he first picked up a golf club, and it continues to be a major factor in his golf game.
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As a third generation Bulldog, Nelson was born with a golf club in one hand and a cowbell in the other.
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"I grew up coming to Mississippi State sporting events with my dad and grandfather," Nelson said. "I remember attending the 2005 Egg Bowl with my dad, when we won."
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He recalls his first official lesson in the second grade, but the Madison Central High School graduate did not take golf seriously until seventh grade when he made his high school golf team.
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Three high-school state championships later, Nelson was looking for a place to call home over his collegiate career. It only seemed natural for him to don the Maroon and White, but one thing really separated Mississippi State in his mind.
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"We have it on all of our shirts, they say 'Family,'" Nelson said. "It is so special, and you just can't take it for granted."
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Nelson said that when he arrived in Starkville, it was everything he thought it would be and more. The family atmosphere he anticipated turned into a brotherhood with his teammates and coaches.
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The redshirt freshman has high expectations for the Golf Dawgs this year and believes all the pieces are in place for them to be successful.
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"I believe our coaches are the best and want to be the best," Nelson said. "We talk about our goals every day."
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"Every day going with my teammates and coaches is so much fun." Nelson continued. "We really have become just a big family."
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His grandfather and father remain the biggest influence on his golf career, but it makes it a little bit easier on Nelson knowing his teammates, coaches and Mississippi State family have his back during his athletic career and beyond.
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Nelson's father, Benji Nelson, played in one of MSU's three NCAA Championship appearances in 1991. His grandfather, also named Ben Nelson, was at State from 1964-66 and is one of three former Golf Dawgs in the Mississippi State Sports Hall of Fame.
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Family is something extremely important to MSU men's golfer Ben Nelson. It was the reason he first picked up a golf club, and it continues to be a major factor in his golf game.
Â
As a third generation Bulldog, Nelson was born with a golf club in one hand and a cowbell in the other.
Â
"I grew up coming to Mississippi State sporting events with my dad and grandfather," Nelson said. "I remember attending the 2005 Egg Bowl with my dad, when we won."
Â
He recalls his first official lesson in the second grade, but the Madison Central High School graduate did not take golf seriously until seventh grade when he made his high school golf team.
Â
Three high-school state championships later, Nelson was looking for a place to call home over his collegiate career. It only seemed natural for him to don the Maroon and White, but one thing really separated Mississippi State in his mind.
Â
"We have it on all of our shirts, they say 'Family,'" Nelson said. "It is so special, and you just can't take it for granted."
Â
Nelson said that when he arrived in Starkville, it was everything he thought it would be and more. The family atmosphere he anticipated turned into a brotherhood with his teammates and coaches.
Â
The redshirt freshman has high expectations for the Golf Dawgs this year and believes all the pieces are in place for them to be successful.
Â
"I believe our coaches are the best and want to be the best," Nelson said. "We talk about our goals every day."
Â
"Every day going with my teammates and coaches is so much fun." Nelson continued. "We really have become just a big family."
Â
His grandfather and father remain the biggest influence on his golf career, but it makes it a little bit easier on Nelson knowing his teammates, coaches and Mississippi State family have his back during his athletic career and beyond.
Â
Nelson's father, Benji Nelson, played in one of MSU's three NCAA Championship appearances in 1991. His grandfather, also named Ben Nelson, was at State from 1964-66 and is one of three former Golf Dawgs in the Mississippi State Sports Hall of Fame.
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Players Mentioned
/ Men's Golf
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