How much did he mean to golf? His memorial was attended by Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Ben Crenshaw, Hale Irwin, Greg Norman, Brad Faxon and Jim Nantz.
His grandfather, George Herbert Walker, was president of the USGA in 1920. During his time at the helm, he created the Walker Cup, a 
biannual competition between amateurs from the U.S. and United Kingdom. The Walker Cup remains today as one of amateur golf’s most important events.
His father, Prescott Bush, was also an avid golfer and also a president of the USGA before becoming a U.S. senator in 1952. Prescott Bush was an outstanding player, and an eight-time club champion at Cape Arundel Golf Club in Kennebunkport, Maine.
President Bush was more of an average player. His lowest handicap was an 11, but for much of his life he could best be described as a “bogey golfer”. As a player, he had one enduring mandate: PLAY FAST! He insisted on a “ready golf” policy which he instilled through leadership by example.
His attitude about the game very closely matched his attitude about the Presidency. He took them seriously, but not himself. “41” was famously self-depricating in the Oval Office and on the first tee.
“Golf? I hate it, sure, but I really love it. I’ll be on the first tee tomorrow at 6:50 a.m.”, he once wrote. Yes, Mr. President, we understand completely.
In 1997, Bush received the PGA of America Distinguished Service Award. That same year he agreed to serve as honorary chairman of what was then a new grow-the-game initiative for youngsters called The First Tee. In 2008, Bush became the third non-competitive golfer to earn the Bob Jones Award, which is bestowed upon someone who displays distinguished sportsmanship and emulates the attitude and spirit of the game’s greatest amateur.
“Golf has meant a lot to me. It means friendship, integrity and character”, he said uponing receiving the award.
In 2009, he received the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. In addition to serving an advisory role on the Captains Club at Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament, Bush was honorary chair of the USGA Museum and Archives and an honorary member of the PGA.
Mostly, though, George Herbert Walker Bush was a family man, off the course, and on it. “The moments with my sons on the links are very special,” he once said. “Every moment with family out there is heaven.”
Now, his heavenly moments are real and they’re spent with his beloved wife, Barbara, and their daughter, Robin.
At the time of his passing, President Bush was one of just six living presidents. Now there are five. All are golfers, but none a bigger friend of the game than George Herbert Walker Bush.
Next time you put a tee in the ground, give him a nod. Play fast, and play with a spirit of friendship, integrity, and character.
Joey Johnson is the Publisher of Southern Fairways Magazine. He can be reached by email at joey@southernfairwaysgolf.com.