TITLE: Congratulating Jack Burke, Jr., on receiving the 2011 William D. Richardson Award from the Golf Writers Association of America.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Jack Burke, Jr., on receiving the 2011 William D. Richardson Award from the Golf Writers Association of America.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Texas golf legend Jack Burke, Jr., has been named the winner of the 2011 William D. Richardson Award by the Golf Writers Association of America, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport; and WHEREAS, Born in Fort Worth in 1923, Jack Burke began learning the game at age seven, tutored by his father, who was the pro at the River Oaks Country Club in Houston; Mr. Burke became a club pro himself at age 18 but put his career on hold to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II; and WHEREAS, In the years following the war, professional golf was initially dominated by older players, but Mr. Burke changed that, winning four PGA tournaments in 1950 at the age of 27; two years later, he won four consecutive tournaments and went on to compile a career total of 16 victories, including first-place finishes in both the Masters Tournament and the PGA Championship in 1956; he played on the American Ryder Cup team throughout the 1950s, was its nonplaying captain in 1973, and served as a special assistant to the team captain in 2004; and WHEREAS, Mr. Burke's prominent role in the game has extended beyond his stellar performances on the course; in 1957, he and another well-known Texas golfer, Jimmy Demaret, opened the Champions Golf Club in Houston; through the years, the club has hosted the Ryder Cup, the U.S. Open, and the U.S. Amateur Championship in addition to numerous other tournaments; Mr. Burke has also served as a coach to younger PGA players, including current star Phil Mickelson; and WHEREAS, Widely admired by his peers, Mr. Burke has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, the PGA Hall of Fame, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and the Texas Golf Hall of Fame; moreover, he received the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 and the United States Golf Association Bob Jones Award in 2004; and WHEREAS, The William D. Richardson Award is yet another well-deserved accolade for Jack Burke; this esteemed Texan has inspired generations of players with his skill, determination, and knowledge of the sport, and his achievements have furthered the rich golfing tradition of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Jack Burke, Jr., on receiving the 2011 William D. Richardson Award from the Golf Writers Association of America and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Burke as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Harless Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 171 was adopted by the House on January 24, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House