[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF TIGER WOODS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2000

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, to honor a living sports 
hero of our time. Having entertained millions around the world with his 
incredible skill and superb sportsmanship, the great Tiger Woods has 
most certainly earned the title of American Sports Legend. With a 
record-breaking 15-shot win at the U.S. Open last week, Tiger Woods 
once again amazed the golf world. This latest victory is now added to 
the long list of accomplishments that Tiger has achieved in his very 
impressive career.
  Tiger Woods showed himself to be an exceptional athlete from very 
early on. He has had a remarkable beginning since becoming a 
professional golfer in the summer of 1996. He has won an impressive 22 
tournaments, with 16 of those being on the PGA Tour. Most memorable was 
Tiger's victory in the 1999 PGA Championship and the 1997 Masters 
Tournament. With the latter, Tiger set yet another record by becoming 
the youngest Masters Champion in the history of golf; he was 21 years 
old.
  This, however, is not the only record Mr. Woods has set. His 21 
victories at age 23 exceed the career start of any other professional 
golfer. He won four consecutive PGA Tour events to end 1999, and 
started the millennium off with a fifth straight victory. This streak 
has only been surpassed by two other golfers more than 50 years ago. 
And possibly even more impressive is the fact that in Tiger Woods' last 
21 PGA Tour starts, he has won 12 of them.
  But how can any of us forget the sight of Tiger Woods this past 
weekend? As I watched Mr. Woods outshine his already astounding 
performances, I felt inspired by his motivation, his spirit, and his 
poise. I must admit, however, that I was most impressed by his drive. 
His drive not only to perform, but also his drive on the ball.
  In the words of Tom Watson ``Tiger has raised the bar.`` He has 
become, in the opinion of many, the best in professional golf. His 
story illustrates the value of practice, hard work, and positive 
character. The most astounding idea, however, is that his story is only 
beginning. America will watch in wonder at how much more Mr. Woods will 
accomplish in his future matches.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and our colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Tiger Woods for his outstanding accomplishments. America 
should be proud to have such a fine athlete and such a fine citizen.

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