[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO GIL MORGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAN BOREN

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 19, 2007

  Mr. BOREN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate one of 
Oklahoma's own Gil Morgan, for his first-place finish at the 2007 
Champions Tour Wal-Mart First Tee Open.
  Gil's victory at Pebble Beach is quite an accomplishment in and of 
itself, but I am proud to say that he is no stranger to the winner's 
podium. During his career in the world of golf, Gil has amassed nearly 
40 championship wins. In fact, Gil had managed to claim his first 
professional victory of his 35-year career when he succeeded in winning 
the PGA Tour's 1977 B.C. Open. His career also reflects six other PGA 
Tour wins, including the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic in 1979 and the 
Kemper Open in 1990. More impressive is Gil's 25 Champions tour wins, 
which include the 2003 Kroger Classic, the 2006 Allianz Championship, 
and his most recent feat at the Wal-Mart First Tee Open.
  While many around the nation know Gil as a professional golf champion 
whose career has taken him around the world, those of us from Oklahoma 
know him as one of our own. It all started for Gil in the small town of 
Wewoka, Oklahoma. From Wewoka, Gil went on to graduate from East 
Central State College in Ada, Oklahoma before earning his Doctor of 
Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in 1972. A short while 
after completion of his education, Gil began his long and illustrious 
career as a professional golfer.
  Madam Speaker, I think that Gil's story is an inspiring one and 
provides many good lessons for the rest of us to follow. First, it 
doesn't matter where you begin in life. With a little effort and 
determination, we can all accomplish victories in our lives. Second, I 
see Gil's determination to finish both an undergraduate degree and a 
doctoral degree before beginning his professional sporting career to be 
an inspiration to both young and old. Some of us may have extraordinary 
talents, such as golf, that we are born in possession of; however, 
knowledge is something that cannot be taken away should our talents 
fail us. While Gil's talent as a professional golfer has never failed 
him, he has always had the comfort of his education to fall back upon 
should he need to do so.
  For these reasons, Madam Speaker, I am proud to salute Gil Morgan and 
I join with all of my fellow Oklahomans in giving him praise and 
congratulations for his most recent accomplishment at the Wal-Mart 
First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. As you know, Oklahoma is usually known 
for its love of football; however, on Sunday, September 2, 2007, we 
were all golf fans because of Gil.

                          ____________________