The 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, died at his home in Houston late Friday night. He was 94 years old.
The vice president from 1981-89 and the president from 1989-93 was an avid player and advocate for the game of golf, so much so that he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011. Bush also received the PGA of America’s Distinguished Service Award (1997), the USGA’s Bob Jones Award (2008) and the PGA Tour’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2009).
“Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died,” 41’s son, George W. Bush, said in a statement. “George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41’s life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens.”
The golf world paid its respects to 41 across social media.
The PGA TOUR mourns the loss of President George H.W. Bush, honorary chairman for The @PresidentsCup and The First Tee, World Golf Hall of Fame member and PGA TOUR Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. His service to the game will be greatly missed. https://t.co/waO5AnC2zJ
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 1, 2018
It is with great sorrow that we share the news of the loss of our Hall of Fame friend, President George H.W. Bush. It is only fitting that he is reunited with his loving wife Barbara. He was a great friend to the game of golf and we will miss him dearly. Rest easy, Mr. President. pic.twitter.com/ck0fYqpn5i
— Golf Hall of Fame (@GolfHallofFame) December 1, 2018
We mourn the death of George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, and a lifelong ambassador for the game of golf. pic.twitter.com/kr37HJsUiD
— USGA (@USGA) December 1, 2018
“Golf has meant a lot to me. It means friendship, integrity and character." George H.W. Bush, the son and grandson of USGA presidents, and the 2008 Bob Jones Award winner, carried on his family's strong legacy in the game. https://t.co/mlLJtrvt4E pic.twitter.com/98X9cj0Ass
— USGA (@USGA) December 1, 2018
I am sad to wake this morning to the news of the passing of one incredible person. His heart/passion/love for country/family/life/ liberty and golf was exemplary. I was blessed to know him and receive guidance as a friend. RIP Mr. President we will miss you. pic.twitter.com/qhOcpYFtMC
— Greg Norman (@SharkGregNorman) December 1, 2018
#RIP41… was fortunate enough to meet him at the 2004 Ryder Cup. As an 11 year old kid I didn’t understand how cool it was to meet a past president, but I’ll never forget how nice and gracious he was me. Condolences to the entire Bush family ??
— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) December 1, 2018
We send our condolences to the family of former American President and Honorary Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, George HW Bush, who has passed away at the age of 94.https://t.co/X9d4UuQ77o pic.twitter.com/GI5CAZEg0Y
— The R&A (@RandA) December 1, 2018
Pres. George H.W. Bush's grandpa, George Herbert Walker, was the namesake for the Walker Cup. It was but one link in a chain of lifetime support for golf. President 41 was a regular at the @rydercup and an ardent ambassador of the game. pic.twitter.com/a7x7730JCi
— Bob Denney (@pgahistorybug) December 1, 2018
Pausing at this hour to consider the passing of President 41. Resilient, witty and an ongoing passion to bring civility to the world. May he rest in peace now with his special wife, Barbara. pic.twitter.com/1WGC6s7oCe
— Bob Denney (@pgahistorybug) December 1, 2018
RIP 41 ??
— Trevor Immelman (@TrevorImmelman) December 1, 2018