Colbert honored by Gov. Bill Graves

Kansas Gov. Bill Graves has issued a proclamation honoring Kansas State University graduate and Senior PGA TOUR pro Jim Colbert for his vision in designing and developing Colbert Hills Golf Course in Manhattan. The proclamation declares May 3 as Colbert Hills Golf Course Day in Kansas.

The proclamation reads:

WHEREAS, The vision of golf champion Jim Colbert, to build a world-class, 18-hole championship golf course, has become a reality; and

WHEREAS, Jim Colbert, a 1964 Kansas State University graduate, spearheaded the effort to build the world championship course. It was built through a partnership involving Kansas State University, PGA TOUR GOLF COURSE Properties, Inc. and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America; and

WHEREAS, The Colbert Hills Golf Course, an 18-hole PGA TOUR-caliber course, is situated on 315 acres just southwest of Manhattan; and

WHEREAS, Colbert Hills extends 7,525 yards from the back tees and received a rating of 77.5 and a slope of 152 by the Kansas Golf Association; and

WHEREAS, The Colbert Hills Golf Course will provide an excellent working environment for K-State students; the University will be able to use the course to research environmental resources, to study turf management and it will also be a great asset to the golf course management program; and

WHEREAS, Colbert Hills offers significant recreation opportunities and enhances the quality of life for many Kansans:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BILL GRAVES, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF KANSAS AND GARY SHERRER, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF KANSAS, do hereby proclaim May 3, 2000, as Colbert Hills Golf Course Day in Kansas and urge all citizens to join in this observance.

Colbert originally came to Kansas State University for a full football scholarship. He was born March 9,1941, in Elizabeth, N.J. He earned a full football scholarship to K-State and graduated in 1964 with a degree in political science. He became a professional golfer in 1965, joined the PGA TOUR in 1966 and the Senior PGA TOUR in 1991. He has 18 Senior PGA TOUR victories and was the leading money-winner on the SENIOR PGA TOUR in 1995 and 1996.

He has made a significant financial contribution to Colbert Hills Golf Course, the home course for the Kansas State Wildcat men's and women's golf teams. The course includes a club house, a state-of-the-art driving range, a 9-hole par 3 teaching/training course and practice areas. Course revenue after expenses are dedicated to endowing the men's and women's golf programs and athletic scholarships at Kansas State University.

Colbert and his wife, Marcia, live in Las Vegas, Nev. They have three daughters, Debbie, Christy and Kelly, and six grandchildren.

August 2002