Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a native South Carolinian and extraordinary young athlete, Mr. Jonathan Byrd. With his monumental victory at the Buick Challenge last year, Mr. Byrd became the first person to win on the PGA TOUR…
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a native South Carolinian and extraordinary young athlete, Mr. Jonathan Byrd. With his monumental victory at the Buick Challenge last year, Mr. Byrd became the first person to win on the PGA TOUR in his rookie year since Jose Coceres. Jonathan began the season ranked 404th by the Official World Golf Ranking and, by season's end, climbed to an amazing 72nd. Those achievements earned him the well-deserved title of PGA Rookie of the Year.
Jonathan's path to athletic excellence began when he was still a toddler in his hometown of Elgin, S.C. His father, Jim Byrd and good friend and occasional golfing buddy of mine introduced Jonathan to the game of golf at the young age of three. Jonathan first began developing his skills using a 5-iron that was cut down until the grip nearly reached the hosel. He played his first nine holes when in the second grade finishing at 62, and he has only improved since.
Mr. Byrd continued to hone his talent throughout adolescence and into early adulthood. He later won the Northeast Amateur and the Carolinas Amateur, was an All-American selection for three out of his four college years at Clemson University. He was a member of the 1999 Walker Cup Team.
I have followed Jonathan's career and have had the pleasure of golfing with him in South Carolina. I can personally attest to his extraordinary talent and strength of character. His success is a reflection of the overwhelming support he has received from his family, his community, and supporters. Their investment and faith in him have been justly rewarded.
Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in applauding Mr. Byrd for his outstanding athletic achievements. His integrity and dedication to physical excellence, and mental toughness are inspiration to all. Mr. Byrd's talent will serve him, his friends and family for many years to come. I extend my most heartfelt congratulations to Jonathan Byrd for his accomplishments, and wish him good luck and Godspeed in all his future endeavors.