[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING PEGGY KIRK BELL, FIRST FEMALE CPGA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

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                         HON. RENEE L. ELLMERS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2014

  Mrs. ELLMERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to extend 
sincere congratulations to Southern Pines' very own Peggy Kirk Bell. On 
February 16, Peggy made history as the first female inductee into the 
Carolinas PGA Hall of Fame. For 33 years, the CPGA Hall of Fame has 
honored and praised individuals living within the Carolinas for their 
remarkable contributions to the game of golf, and Mrs. Bell's induction 
is long overdue.
   Peggy is a golf legend with numerous accomplishments. She has 
shepherded the way for women golfers by being known as the first widely 
acclaimed teacher of women's golf, serving as a Charter Member of the 
LPGA, and also as chairwoman of the largest girl's golf tour in the 
country. Through the Peggy Kirk Bell Girls Golf Tour, she has provided 
top-level competitive golfing opportunities to thousands of girls 
across the Carolinas.
   In 1949, Peggy won the North & South Amateur Women's title at 
Pinehurst No. 2 and was selected to become a member of the 1950 USGA 
Curtis Cup Team. She was the winner of the first LPGA Senior 
Championship, and the first woman inductee into Golf Magazine's World 
Golf Teacher Hall of Fame. In addition to her personal accomplishments, 
Bell has advocated to have major golf championships played in the 
Carolinas, several of which were hosted at her own resort: The Pine 
Needles Lodge & Golf Club.
   The second district of North Carolina is fortunate to have someone 
who has dedicated their lifetime to promoting the game of golf and 
expanding opportunities to young girls across the state. She is an 
inspiration to all within the golf industry, and her induction into the 
Carolinas PGA Hall of Fame rightfully cements her place in history.

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