[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 5579]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING BEN CRENSHAW

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Richardson). Under a previous order of 
the House, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Broun) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and pay 
tribute to an exceptional athlete and distinguished American, Ben 
Crenshaw.
  Architect, historian, gentleman, all of these words correctly portray 
Ben Daniel Crenshaw. But perhaps the most fitting description for this 
great golfer is champion.
  The people of Augusta, Georgia, who I represent, and golf fans around 
the world recognize Ben Crenshaw as one of the finest, most talented 
golfers on the PGA circuit.
  Crenshaw has been a phenomenon on the golf course since childhood, 
winning his first tournament, the Casis Elementary Open, in the fourth 
grade. He continued to play through middle school and high school, 
claiming several championship titles. It was clear then that Ben 
Crenshaw was on his way to greatness.
  He made school history during the 1970-71 academic year at the 
University of Texas when Crenshaw became the first freshman to capture 
the individual title during the NCAA tournament at the Tuscan National 
Golf Club. His outstanding accomplishments and victories that year 
earned Crenshaw the privilege to be named to the 1971 All American 
collegiate golf team.
  Crenshaw's early achievement set the stage for an extraordinary 
career. His most notable achievements include being a 19-time winner on 
the PGA tour, captain of the 1999 U.S. Ryder Cup team whose stunning 
comeback is remembered as one of the most exciting competitions in that 
match's history.
  And he's also a two-time Masters champion. Many will never forget the 
emotional scene that played out on the 18th green when, in 1995, 
Crenshaw clinched his second Masters victory and earned yet another 
green jacket.
  In addition to these accomplishments, he has been a tremendous 
ambassador for the game of golf, as well as a consummate gentleman and 
human being.
  I had the privilege of being in Augusta on April 7, 2008 before the 
72nd Master's Tournament as Mayor Deke Copenhaver awarded Crenshaw a 
crystal ``key to the city.'' It is an honor for me to pay tribute to a 
great American golf legend, Ben Crenshaw.

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