By Dr. Tony Parker, World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum Historian
General Dwight D. Eisenhower, an 18 handicapper with a chronic slice, was elected 34th President of the United States of America in 1952.
Shortly after his inauguration, he had a putting green and practice bunker installed on the South Lawn of the White House.
As a devoted golfer and an unofficial ambassador to the game, according to Fred Corcoran, Eisenhower’s love was “the greatest thing that ever happened to the game.” Popular with the public, he inspired a national interest in the sport and brought many to the game.
It has been estimated that he played over 800 rounds of golf during his eight years as President. During his two terms of office, Eisenhower visited Augusta National Golf Club 29 times and played 210 rounds of golf there.
To compensate for notoriously poor putting, Eisenhower developed a superior short game – skills he used to shoot four rounds with scores under 80 at Augusta during his presidency.
Ike loved Augusta National and frequently vacationed there, staying in a cabin aptly named the “Little White House.” It was built for him just 100 yards from the 10th tee.
Pictured below: President Eisenhower’s personal golf cart on display at the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Florida.
