Senate Resolution 5

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING PICAYUNE GOLFER AMANDA MATHIS, THE YOUNGEST PLAYER EVER TO WIN THE MISSISSIPPI WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

WHEREAS, on Thursday, June 20, 2002, Amanda Mathis made history by becoming the youngest golfer ever to win the Mississippi Women's Golf Association Championship Title; and

WHEREAS, Amanda, 17, defeated Cissye Gallagher in the championship match at President Broadwater Golf Club, winning the 69-year old championship and bringing pride to her hometown, Picayune, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the long-hitting Mathis shot the low round (72) in the qualifying round and continued her stellar play over the next three days, beating Cathy Bailey, 9-time champion Lou Hart and Alexis Rather before playing the well-known Gallagher who was playing for her 10th MWGA title; and

WHEREAS, in her championship round, Amanda birdied three of her first five holes, was 5-up through six, 4-up through 9, was 5-up through 12, was about 10-15 yards longer off the tee than her challenger, and held off Gallagher at the end after the match was twice delayed by bad weather; and

WHEREAS, earlier this year, Mathis was the medalist in the Class 4A State Golf Championship, becoming just the second girl to win medalist honors in a high school state championship usually won by boys; and

WHEREAS, Amanda stated that winning the Women's State Amateur topped all her previous championships, especially considering she beat a player like Cissye Gallagher, a former LSU standout and LPGA player; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the singular accomplishment of this young student athlete, who has brought honor to her hometown and to the State of Mississippi: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI; That we do hereby commend and congratulate Picayune golfer Amanda Mathis for becoming the youngest golfer ever to win the Mississippi Women's Golf Association Championship, and wish her and her family the best in her future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Amanda Mathis and her family, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.