The collection is highlighted by Bush’s Titleist Scotty Cameron ‘Big Sur’ chest putter, engraved on the face with white text, “George Bush.”
Within the bag are his well-used size 11 Nike Air golf shoes, as well as four of Bush’s personalized golf balls featuring his facsimile signature and the presidential seal, one Cape Arundel golf ball, and a box containing five Cape Arundel golf balls with presidential seals made to commemorate the 41st and 43rd presidents.
President Bush originally gave these items to one of the workers at the Cape Arundel Golf Club, in Kennebunkport, Maine, who frequently assisted the Bush family with their golf equipment and even had the chance to play a round with the former president.
Included is a copy of the scorecard from his round with “Pres. G. Bush,” dated July 16, 2003, which had been signed by the president as well as PGA golfer Brad Faxon, who also played.
Further evidence is provided in copies of photographs showing him with George Bush and Bill Clinton together at Cape Arundel, and another that had been inscribed to him by President Bush.
Known for his love of golf—President Bush is enshrined in the World Golf Hall of Fame in recognition of his ‘Lifetime Achievement.’
“This is a remarkable collection of his personal equipment,” said Robert Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction.
Among other items to be featured:
John F. Kennedy’s personally-owned and used golf ball, originating from a lot of twenty-three balls kept in a canvas tote bag gifted to Elijah N. Jones, a lieutenant who worked alongside Kennedy in the District Security Office of the 6th Naval District Headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina.
The Fine Autographs And Artifacts from RR Auction began on October 21 and will conclude on November 9. For information, visit the RR Auction web site at www.rrauction.com.
The Bush family's golf lineage runs deep. The elder Bush's maternal grandfather, George Herbert Walker, was president of the U.S. Golf Association and founded the Walker Cup. His father, Prescott Bush, was also USGA president. And now, the 41st President is a World Golf Hall of Fame inductee. The golf abilities of father and son were roughly similar, but their rounds were marked not so much by good shots but alacrity: A three-hour round was considered too long.
“You put your track shoes on when you’re playing with him,” said fellow World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum member Hale Irwin.
“I am a great believer in moving pretty fast around a golf course,” said World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum member Arnold Palmer. “Well, President Bush made sure that happened.”
After his presidency, Bush became even more involved with the game. He was given the PGA of America Distinguished Service Award in 1997, the USGA’s 2008 Bob Jones Award and the PGA TOUR Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.
In 1996, Bush served as honorary chairman of The Presidents Cup and attended every one of the biennial competitions through 2009. He is also an honorary member of the PGA and honorary chair of the USGA Museum and Archives President’s council.
Bush was also on hand when PGA TOUR Commissioner announced the formation of The First Tee in 1997. As The First Tee’s first honorary chairman, Bush presided over the organization as it expanded into one of the country’s most impressive, wide-ranging youth outreach programs. The First Tee reaches more than 4.7 million participants in 50 states and six international locations, as well as 120 U.S. military installations.
And he has even carried on the family tradition of passing the game on. In 2011, he took on an emeritus role and passed the honorary chairman’s torch to his son, President George W. Bush.
“I do love the game,” Bush said.
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