Fans Support Congressional Gold Medal for Byron Nelson

Byron Nelson's nomination for the Congressional Gold Medal moves to the U.S. Senate this week. Last week, the legislation received 292 co-sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives, securing the two-thirds sponsorship required for Congressional Gold Medal nominations. The bill now moves to the Senate where it must also receive two-thirds sponsorship.

U.S. Representative Michael C. Burgess of Texas, author of the legislation, seeks to nominate the fabled golfer and philanthropist for his charitable contributions to the nation. But the path to the Congressional Gold Medal is arduous. Only six athletes have received it since its inception in 1776, when the first medal was bestowed on George Washington. Nelson would be the 131st recipient of the highest honor the nation bestows to a civilian.

Burgess said the challenge is worth it. "Byron is an extraordinary humanitarian who happens to be a legendary golfer." Nelson is a constituent of Representative Burgess's North Texas congressional district. "There are many talented and dedicated athletes in the world," said Burgess, "but few embody the true spirit of generosity and complete humbleness of Byron Nelson."

Nelson is synonymous with greatness on and off the golf course. A two-time Masters champion, two-time PGA Championship winner and a U.S. Open champion with a total of 52 official PGA Tour victories, Nelson says of his charity work, "It's the best thing that's ever happened to me in golf. Better than winning the Masters or the U.S. Open or 11 in a row, because it helps people."

Beginning with 110 USO and Red Cross exhibitions at the peak of his career during World War II, Nelson's heart has outshined his golf skills. The World Golf Hall of Fame honored his philanthropic career and impact on golf with one simple statement: "A Champion . . . A Gentleman."

Nelson is the namesake and one of the driving forces of the largest charitable fundraiser on the PGA Tour, the EDS Byron Nelson Championship. "Thousands of lives have been touched because of Byron's humanitarian spirit. His legacy will remain long after his golf records are broken. We honor him and build on that every year," said Pat Bolin, tournament chairman.

The tournament has raised more than $88 million since its inception in 1968. All proceeds benefit Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers, where disadvantaged children and families receive counseling and gain access to an outstanding elementary school. "Byron's commitment to his community is unsurpassed among professional athletes of any generation. We're honored to partner with the charity that bears his name," said Mike Jordan, chairman and CEO of EDS.

The Byron and Louise Nelson Golf Endowment Fund has also provided more than $1.5 million in funding to Abilene Christian University. In addition, Nelson serves as the honorary chairman for Metroport Meals on Wheels, which provides daily, home-delivered hot lunches for the frail, elderly and chronically ill residents.

Details regarding the legislation – House Resolution 4902 sponsored by Burgess and Senate Bill 2491 sponsored by Senator John Cornyn – can be obtained at http://www.house.gov/burgess. The next steps for the bill include discharge from the House Financial Services Committee and co-sponsorship by at least 66 senators. Fans, community members, and all who appreciate the legacy of Byron Nelson can read more about how to support the legislation at http://www.eds.com/byronnelson.