Senate approves bill awarding medal to golfer Byron Nelson

The U.S. Senate approved a bill Wednesday night to posthumously grant Byron Nelson the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of the golf star's philanthropy.

Photo: Senate approves bill awarding medal to golfer Byron Nelson

Nelson died Tuesday at 94 at his home in Roanoke. He won a record 11 straight tournaments and 18 overall titles in 1945 and finished with 52 career wins.

The House voted in May to award the medal to Nelson. The Senate approved The Byron Nelson Congressional Gold Medal Act on Wednesday and it now goes to President Bush.

"It is entirely fitting that as we mourn the passing of Byron Nelson this week, we honor his life and tremendous service to his fellow Americans with the passage of this legislation today," Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said in a statement, reports AP.

"The Congressional Gold Medal is given to individuals who exemplify the American spirit by serving their community and helping those less fortunate, which is what Byron Nelson devoted his life to doing. The lives of countless Americans were touched because of the compassion, dedication and generosity of this great Texan ..."