An environmental design graduate from the University of California-Berkeley, Nelson began his career as a golf course architect in 1973. He worked with ASGCA Past President Robert Muir Graves and Ronald Fream. Nelson also worked with Neil Haworth, ASGCA, and Brett Mogg at Nelson & Haworth, which operates from offices in Singapore, Shanghai, China and San Francisco.

Nelson became an Associate member of ASGCA in 1984 and a Regular member in 1987. He served as an ASGCA member for 28 years until his death in 2012.

“Together we traveled the world, met great people and experienced fascinating cultures. What a great time we had. What kept, and will always keep, our relationship and Nelson & Haworth going was Robin’s respect for people, his patience, his contagious smile, laugh and sense of humor that not only made Nelson & Haworth successful, but has made it last. With you shining down on us and guiding Brett Mogg and I, Nelson & Haworth will continue to build great golf courses and with your passion and guidance we will continue to make you proud, not only with fantastic designs but with humbleness, respect and professionalism. And always with a sense of humor!” – Neil Haworth, ASGCA