[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO KENNY PERRY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED WHITFIELD

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2009

  Mr. WHITFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of Kentucky native 
Kenny Perry. Earlier this month, Mr. Perry gave a memorable performance 
at the 73rd Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Looking to become 
the oldest golfer to win a major championship at the age of 48 years 
and 8 months, Mr. Perry played superbly during the Masters Tournament 
and finished second in the tournament following two exciting playoff 
holes. Throughout the tournament, he exhibited the same grace and class 
he has always shown throughout his auspicious career.
  Mr. Perry grew up in Kentucky's First Congressional District, 
attending Franklin-Simpson High School and eventually graduating from 
Lone Oaks High School in Paducah. He played golf at both schools before 
attending Western Kentucky University where he continued to excel at 
the sport. In 1982, Mr. Perry turned professional and has spent the 
past 27 years building a solid reputation for himself both as a 
professional golfer and a community leader. He donates a percentage of 
his winnings to Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, to provide 
scholarships to students. Mr. Perry built Country Creek, a public 
course in his hometown of Franklin. In 1995, he bought 142 acres of 
land to design and build the only public course in the town. He 
designed it for mid-to-high handicappers and kept it affordable so that 
the game of golf could be accessible to all. Mr. Perry is a member of 
Western Kentucky University Hall of Fame and Kentucky Golf Hall of 
Fame. In 2002, he received the Charles Bartlett Award, given to a 
professional golfer for his unselfish contributions to the betterment 
of society by the Golf Writers Association of America.
  On the course, Mr. Perry currently ranks 3rd in All-Around Ranking on 
the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) tour. In 2008, when the 
Ryder Cup was held in Kentucky, Mr. Perry dedicated himself to 
qualifying for the event. His hard work paid off when he helped the 
United States retake the cup for the first time since 1999.
  Mr. Perry's contributions both on and off the golf course serve as a 
shining example of what professional athletes should be and I am 
pleased to have this opportunity to honor him.

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