[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 13, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H2648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           NATIONAL GOLF DAY

  (Mr. LONG asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about National Golf Day. 
Earlier today, I attended an event and heard the story of one of our 
Wounded Warriors and how the sport of golf has helped him to overcome 
his traumatic brain injury, and learn the sport of golf even with 
prostheses, and how much that's helped him.
  The first small business I owned happened to be a miniature golf 
course. I also went to high school with the late great Payne Stewart. 
And no, none of his golf abilities rubbed off on me, unfortunately.
  Golf is a $76 billion industry, which provides 2 million jobs in the 
United States. Golf courses are generally small business owner-owned 
golf courses. And I know the challenges small businesses face today. 
The estimated economic impact of the golf industry is over $200 
billion. Golf course superintendents are excellent environmental 
stewards of the land, and among the best in the world at knowing how to 
care for the Earth.
  Being outdoors always improves one's quality of life. Walking just a 
nine-hole course can give you a 2.5-mile workout, or in my case 7 
miles. It is a sport that can be played by all ages, and we should take 
time today to recognize National Golf Day.

                          ____________________