By Counts H.C.R. No. 136 77R6629 GMW-D HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas Legislature takes pleasure in honoring 1-2 Charles Coody, the outstanding professional golfer from Abilene; 1-3 and 1-4 WHEREAS, A native Texan, this esteemed gentleman was born in 1-5 Stamford and was raised in rural West Texas; after being diagnosed 1-6 with polio at the age of 13, he began playing golf for exercise 1-7 after being told he was not allowed to play contact sports; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Mr. Coody went on to attend Texas Christian 1-9 University, where he earned a degree in business in 1960; a 1-10 standout on the Horned Frogs golf team, he qualified for the U.S. 1-11 Open as an amateur in 1960 and 1961 and advanced to the semifinals 1-12 of the U.S. Amateur in 1962; and 1-13 WHEREAS, After joining the Professional Golf Association 1-14 (PGA) in 1963, he won three events and consistently ranked near the 1-15 top of the money list during his more than two decades on tour; his 1-16 banner year proved to be 1971, when he represented his country on 1-17 the U.S. Ryder Cup Team and won the prestigious Masters tournament, 1-18 making birdies on two of the last four holes to fend off formidable 1-19 links legends Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller; and 1-20 WHEREAS, In 1987, Mr. Coody became a member of the Senior PGA 1-21 tour, and in the ensuing years he has continued his winning ways, 1-22 claiming victories in five tournaments, including two in 1991; 1-23 moreover, he has paired with Dale Douglass to three times capture 1-24 first place at the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf Tournament; and 2-1 WHEREAS, In 2000, this civic-minded gentleman created the 2-2 Diamondback Charity Classic, a pro-am tournament featuring players 2-3 from the Senior PGA tour, local professionals, and amateur golfers; 2-4 the event raised more than $125,000 for the benefit of Hendrick 2-5 Hospice Care, which is affiliated with Hendrick Medical Center of 2-6 Abilene, and the NOAH Project, a shelter for abused women and 2-7 children in its inaugural year; and 2-8 WHEREAS, In addition, he serves as host of the Charles Coody 2-9 Classic, a tournament held each year in Fort Worth that benefits 2-10 Catholic charities in the area as well as the Texas Christian 2-11 University Golf Scholarship fund; Mr. Coody also plays in numerous 2-12 charity outings across the country each year, raising countless 2-13 dollars for many worthwhile charities; and 2-14 WHEREAS, A proud member of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, 2-15 Mr. Coody is a highly regarded citizen of Abilene where he is a 2-16 valued member of St. Paul United Methodist Church; together with 2-17 his wife, Lynette, he raised a fine family that today includes his 2-18 children, Caryn, Kyle, and Kristyn, as well as four grandchildren; 2-19 and 2-20 WHEREAS, Charles Coody has long distinguished himself both on 2-21 and off the golf course, and is a source of great pride to his 2-22 fellow Texans; now, therefore, be it 2-23 RESOLVED, That the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-24 hereby honor Charles Coody for his many significant accomplishments 2-25 and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and 2-26 happiness; and, be it further 2-27 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 3-1 prepared for Mr. Coody as an expression of high regard by the Texas 3-2 House of Representatives and Senate.