George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, is the recipient of the 2008 Bob Jones Award. 

Presented annually since 1955, the USGA's highest honor is given in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in golf. The Award seeks to recognize a person who emulates Jones' spirit, his personal qualities and his attitude toward the game and its players. 

"Golf has meant a lot to me," said the former President. "It means friendship, integrity and character."

Bush, 83, is undeniably linked to golf and the USGA through his grandfather, 1920 USGA President George Herbert Walker, who donated a trophy and inspired the Walker Cup Matches, a biennial amateur competition between players from Great Britain & Ireland and the United States. Bush's father, Prescott Bush, president of the USGA in 1935, was instrumental in establishing the USGA Museum and Archives.

"His passion for the game, as well as the core values and principles that underscored his leadership of our country and guide his everyday life, are emblematic of the characteristics that the Bob Jones Award seeks to identify," said Cameron Jay Rains, USGA Bob Jones Award committee chairman.

Bush is only the second non-golfer or golf administrator to be chosen for the Award. In 1978, the USGA recognized entertainers Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.

Bush is honorary chairman of The First Tee program. He also is a long-time USGA Member, honorary chair of the USGA Museum and Archives President's Council and an honorary member of The Professional Golfers' Association of America.