Jovial Bush Graciously Accepts Award



By Ken Klavon, USGA

Houston – With self-deprecating humor, former U.S. President George H.W. Bush on Saturday night wondered why anyone “in their right mind” would expect him to receive the USGA’s highest award.

“As a former president,” Bush quipped, “people are kinder and gentler.”

Bush was recipient of the 53rd Bob Jones Award. The honor, the USGA’s highest, is given in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in golf. It seeks to recognize a person who emulates Jones' spirit, his personal qualities, his attitude toward the game and its players.

The 83-year-old avid golfer, slowed by recent back surgery, kept the masses laughing throughout his 11-minute acceptance speech.

Former President George Bush, left, sharing the stage with USGA President Jim Vernon, gleams as he receives his plaque for winning the Bob Jones Award Saturday. (John Mummert/USGA)
“As for golf talent, truth be told, my father and grandfather were far more blessed with talent,” he said. “Somehow when it came to me there was a genetic power outage.”

Bush came from a lineage of golf blood. His father, Prescott Bush, served as the USGA president in 1935. And his grandfather, Herbert Walker, was instrumental in starting the Walker Cup Match, a biennial competition that pits a squad of amateur players from the United States of America versus a team from Great Britain & Ireland. Walker also donated the prestigious Walker Cup Trophy.

He began his evening mingling with a who’s who of attendees that included PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem, PGA of America CEO Joe Steranka, NFL Hall of Famer Dan Dierdorf, former college football coach R.C. Slocum and golf course designers Rees and Robert Trent Jones Jr., among others.

The 41st U.S. president limped in with the assistance of a cane. Former First Lady Barbara Bush stayed by his side prior to dinner.

An 18-minute video tribute highlighted Bush’s love for golf and included comments from his presidential son, George Bush, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Prior to the video, newly appointed USGA vice president Jay Rains noted his many achievements in life that culminated with his ascendance to the Oval Office.

“Ultimately, unfortunately, tonight’s recipient never achieved the lofty heights of the USGA that his father and grandfather attained, which led to a lifetime of desperate efforts to try and compensate for his failure to become the president of the USGA,” said Rains to laughter.

Bush, cognizant of his family’s place in the game, has always been enthusiastic in his support. “We Bushes and Walkers have always been drawn to the spirit of the game, both on and off the course,” he said.

Bush has traveled worldwide to either watch or play the game, and has attended countless competitions, including Walker and Ryder Cups. During his administration (he was elected in 1988 and defeated by Bill Clinton in 1992), he invited a victorious USA Walker Cup squad to the White House. He had such a ball that he ignored aides’ pleas when the get-together ran over the allotted time.

A fast player, Bush is known in close circles as a man on the move. It wasn’t uncommon for him to play a round in two hours, 15 minutes. Shortly before The First Tee program gained traction – it was founded in 1997 – Bush was named as an honoree to help champion its cause. The First Tee helps to introduce the game to youngsters and to those who are underprivileged. The USGA is the program’s largest cash contributor.

Bush cited The First Tee program as well as the many services the USGA provides. Still, mindful of the award, he couldn’t help but wonder what made him so deserving. He told a story about how politics can do “mystical things,” underscoring his point with an anecdote about former president John F. Kennedy. He said that Kennedy called politics astonishing in that it afforded him the opportunity to go from being a lieutenant under Gen. Douglas MacArthur to commander-in-chief in 14 years, likening the sequence to going from the junior varsity at Harvard to being selected as an honoree member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

He later turned his attention to the award’s meaning. He told the story of how his grandfather once chastised Bob Jones for losing his temper during a USGA event, promising him he’d never play in another one if it happened again. That was before his grandfather told Jones he had the chance to become one of the greatest players ever.

“I’m honored to receive this award because of a man everyone in the game of golf holds in the highest regard,” said Bush.

“Bob Jones remains the golf standard by which every other mortal tries their luck down the fairway is measured.”

Moments later he shook the hand of newly appointed USGA President Jim Vernon and seemed surprised when he told he could keep the plaque. He genuinely thanked Vernon, heading into the Texas night with it cradled like a football. 

Ken Klavon is the USGA’s Editor of New Media. E-mail him with questions or comments at kklavon@usga.org.

  • Previous Bob Jones Award Winners

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