 Nelson later mentored several other young players who went on to significant competitive success, including World Golf Hall of Fame members Ken Venturi and Tom Watson, as well as Marty Fleckman (1965 NCAA champion, with one Tour win).During his amateur golf career, spanning from 1936 to 1954, Stranahan won over 70 amateur tournaments, and several Open events as well, competing against professionals.Stranahan was able to remain amateur by forgoing the prize money he could have won as a professional, due to his family wealth.