George Bush, the 41st President of the United States of America, has been chosen as the recipient of the 2018 Donald Ross Award by the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).

This annual award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the game of golf and the profession of golf course architecture.

Bush, who served as US president between 1989 and 1993, is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and has actively supported many national and international golf events, including the Presidents Cup, Ryder Cup, Walker Cup and Houston Open.

“Golf clears the mind,” he told Sports Illustrated in a 1991 interview. “I don’t concentrate too much out here. I’m in it for the competition, the camaraderie.”

The 2018 Donald Ross award will be presented to Bush in April as part of this year’s ASGCA Annual Meeting in Houston, Texas.

The award is presented by the ASGCA Awards Committee, which is co-chaired by ASGCA Past Presidents Steve Smyers, ASGCA, and Rees Jones, ASGCA Fellow.

“President Bush exemplifies the highest traditions of golf, from displaying the values of good sportsmanship to respecting pace of play, and everything in between,” said ASGCA president John Sanford. “ASGCA is proud to add President Bush to the list of distinguished Donald Ross Award recipients.”

Previous winners of the Donald Ross award include Alice Dye, Michael Bamberger and Bradley Klein.