MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Williams, King, Davis, Watson, Saucier

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING MR. JAMES RAY CARPENTER ON BEING THE FIRST MISSISSIPPIAN TO HAVE SERVED AS PRESIDENT OF THE PROFESSIONAL GOLF ASSOCIATION.

WHEREAS, Mr. James Ray Carpenter, a native of Runnelstown, Mississippi, was the first Mississippian to have served as President of the Professional Golf Association ("PGA"); and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Hattiesburg High School, Mr. Carpenter furthered his education at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a bachelor of science and a master's degree; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Carpenter, a well-rounded athlete, took up the game of golf in Natchez in 1959, and was elected to the PGA on August 20, 1969; and

WHEREAS, in 1964, Mr. Carpenter joined the University of Southern Mississippi staff as head professional and has also served as golf course superintendent, golf coach and instructor; and

WHEREAS, on February 1, 1990, Mr. Carpenter was named Director of Golf at Timberton Golf Club and worked with the Mark McCumber Corporation in the construction of Timberton and the opening of the course on July 1, 1991; and

WHEREAS, since 1969, Mr. Carpenter has been actively involved in the PGA, serving as Gulf States PGA Secretary in 1973 and President for 1974-1975 in the PGA Section office, and serving on the Board of Directors of the PGA National Office for 1979-1981, and serving as Treasurer for 1983-1984, Vice President for 1985-1986 and President for 1987-1988 of the PGA National Office; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Carpenter has served on the PGA National Rules Committee for the past 20 years and as Chairman of the Club Pro Championship, the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup Match; and

WHEREAS, throughout his long and distinguished career, Mr. Carpenter has received numerous awards and honors, including the Gulf States PGA Professional of the Year, the Gulf States PGA Horton Smith Award and the Mississippi PGA Professional of the Year and has been inducted into the University of Southern Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame and the Gulf States PGA Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Carpenter has been lovingly supported in all his endeavors by his lovely wife, Mary, and his five children; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend such outstanding Mississippians as Mr. Carpenter, whose remarkable career has brought honor and great pride to this state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Mr. James Ray Carpenter on being the first Mississippian to have served as President of the Professional Golf Association and extend to him our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. James Ray Carpenter and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.