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[Pages S4616-S4617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO GARY WOODLAND
Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, while my remarks in front of me say ``I
rise today,'' I sit today on this Senate floor to congratulate a
Topeka, KS, native, a 2019 U.S. Open champion, Gary Woodland.
Gary Woodland grew up in Topeka and attended Shawnee Heights High
School. After high school, Gary attended Washburn University on a full
basketball scholarship before transferring to the University of Kansas
to join the golf team. This U.S. Open was the first major championship
victory of Gary Woodland's career, and Gary made history by becoming
the first graduate of the University of Kansas to ever win a PGA major
tournament.
Gary's performance at Pebble Beach was truly elite. He scored under
par in all four rounds, including an impressive 6-under-par 65 in the
second round. On Sunday's final round, Gary battled the elements and a
late surge by last year's U.S. Open champion, Brooks Koepka. On hole
18, Gary sunk a long birdie putt to solidify his win at 13 strokes
under par, 1 stroke better than Tiger Woods' historic 2000 U.S. Open
victory at Pebble Beach.
I congratulate Gary on this historic win, but I also recognize his
actions off the course. Gary is an advocate for Special Olympics and
also partners with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that grants
scholarships to family members of U.S. servicemembers. Gary even wore
patriotic golf gear to honor our troops and Folds of Honor at the U.S.
Open. After the win, Gary thanked our troops for their service and
stated: ``There's men and women who sacrifice and do so much for us so
I can go out and play a game of golf and live my life under freedom.''
The final round also coincides with Father's Day, and this
undoubtedly made this championship even more significant as Gary's
father watched him sink the final putt on 18. Gary said, after his win,
that his dad worked nights so he could pursue his love of sports and
spend time with him during the day.
I recognize Gary, but I also want to recognize the entire Woodland
family--
[[Page S4617]]
his parents, Dana and Linda; his wife, Gabby; his son, Jaxson; and the
twin girls they are expecting. This is a tremendous achievement.
Kansans are extremely proud of you, Gary. We wish you and your family
the best of luck moving forward, and we will continue to root for your
success.
I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Braun). The clerk will call the roll.
The senior assistant bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Hawaii.
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that following my
remarks on the floor, Senator Brown resume his remarks.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
____________________
