The game of golf found an unlikely ambassador in the 1950’s. The 34th President of the United States Dwight Eisenhower was an avid golfer, bringing golf to the White House lawn and played nearly 800 rounds during his eight years and Commander-In-Chief. Eisenhower’s promotion of the sport earned him a place in the World Golf Hall of Fame in the Lifetime Achievement category.

One of those rounds took place in the first few months of his presidency at the Burning Tree Club in nearby Bethesda, Maryland. Dated to “June 6-1953”, this scorecard from the Burning Tree Club has four players listed, including Eisenhower at the top, handwritten as “Mr. President”, with one of his playing partners Hall of Famer Gene Sarazen, a seven-time Major winner and one of only a few golfers to have a career Grand Slam. Two other players with last names of Braniff and Allen rounded out the foursome. Sarazen, expectedly, led the group with a 2-under par round of 70 with one bogey and three birdies. Sarazen’s score reads “4 5 3 4 4 4 4 3 4 35, 5 3 3 5 3 3 5 4 4 35 – 70”. Eisenhower finished second in the group with a 43 on the front and 44 on the back for an 87. Ike’s score reads “5 5 4 5 5 5 6 3 5 43, 5 4 5 7 4 4 5 4 6 44 – 87”. Eisenhower signed his name in pencil on the bottom. The card is in good overall condition displaying minor toning and other blemishes, none of which affect Eisenhower’s signature. This piece of golf and presidential history comes with a LOA from Beckett Authentication.

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