[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 52 (Monday, March 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO GARY PLAYER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LYNN A. WESTMORELAND

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 26, 2007

  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, I rise today to carry on a tradition 
started by the late Congressman Charlie Norwood, whose death this year 
was a great loss to Georgia and the U.S. House of Representatives. Each 
year on the eve of the Masters golf tournament in his hometown of 
Augusta, GA., Congressman Norwood would honor a golfer of great acclaim 
before his colleagues in the House.
  This year, that tribute belongs to Gary Player, a world-renowned 
golfer whose accomplishments extend far beyond the links. In April, Mr. 
Player will tee up at the Augusta National for the Masters tournament 
for the 50th consecutive year, a remarkable achievement of longevity in 
any career. Few events in sports compare to the grace and beauty of the 
Masters tournament, and for a half century, Mr. Player has played an 
important role in one of the most cherished and most watched sporting 
events in the world.
  Gary Player's record is the envy of countless golfers. It includes 
159 victories worldwide. He holds nine major championships including: 
three Masters, three British Opens, two U.S. Opens and one PGA 
Championship. In addition, he has won the World Match Play Championship 
four times.
  Outside the game of golf, Mr. Player has dedicated his life to 
family--he is celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary this year--and 
to serving the underprivileged.
  In 1983, he established the Gary Player Foundation to address the 
education crisis in South Africa. The Player family started the Blair 
Atholl School--complete with a primary school of 400 students, a pre-
elementary school for 75, a community resource center and a sports 
complex. The foundation ensures high-quality education, a nutritional 
feeding scheme and basic medical care for each child.
  Besides his foundation, Gary Player hosts the annual Nelson Mandela 
Invitational Golf Tournament, one of the largest charity events in 
South Africa. To recognize his many achievements, Gary Player was 
awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the Saint Andrews University in 
1995.
  Gary Player has lived an incredible life and he doesn't take those 
blessings for granted. He has said, ``I have been so lucky with golf, 
with my family, with my health, all I can be is thankful.'' Let us wish 
him continued luck and thanks for his accomplishments on and off the 
course. Mr. Player, good luck in Augusta.

                          ____________________