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Reflections |
George H.W. Bush
41st president of the United States
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A war hero, a former director of the Central Intelligence Agency and the president of the United States of America from 1989 to 1993, George H.W. Bush has lived a storybook life.
On his 18th birthday, Bush enlisted in the Navy, and was the youngest pilot to receive his wings. Flying 58 combat missions during World War II, Bush was shot down over the Pacific by Japanese anti-aircraft fire and rescued by a U.S. submarine. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in action.
Upon returning stateside, Bush went to Yale University, where he excelled both in academics and athletics. After college, Bush embarked on a career in the oil industry of west Texas.
Like his father, Prescott Bush, who was a senator from Connecticut, Bush became interested in public service and politics. He served two terms as a representative to Congress from Texas. Then he was appointed to several high-level posts — ambassador to the United Nations, chairman of the Republican National Committee, chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in China and director of the CIA.
In 1980, Bush was chosen as Ronald Reagan’s running mate. After two terms as vice president, Bush, with Indiana Sen. Dan Quayle as his running mate, won the election and became the 41st president of the United States.
Bush’s one term as president came during an important time in U.S. history. The Cold War ended, the Berlin Wall fell, Mikhail Gorbachev resigned and Iraq invaded Kuwait, setting off the 100-hour war known as Desert Storm.
Bush, who turns 83 next month, has been playing golf since 1937, learning the game from his father, a scratch golfer. “I love the game because of its traditions, because of the thrill of making a good shot even after making a lot of bad shots, because of the beauty of the great outdoors, and because of the competition,” he says.
— Seth Jones, senior associate editor
The condition of the course means a lot to me. I have been spoiled by getting to play many of the great courses here and abroad. A true well-kept green, no matter how fast or difficult, is something to behold. Similarly, a good fairway where your lie is seldom in doubt makes golf at its best. Though I am in it a lot, I am not enthusiastic about the rough. Golf has improved immeasurably. The grasses are better. Irrigation and drainage are much better. In my opinion, the good courses of today are miles ahead of the best courses of old. I have known several golf superintendents over the years — all favorably. Without proper credit, they and their helpers bring great joy to the golfer. |
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