Kennedy’s personally-owned and -used Wilson Staff 1 golf ball, embossed “President Kennedy,” picked up from the South Lawn of the White House, where Kennedy practiced from time to time, and retrieved by White House General Foreman Melvon O. Carter. Accompanied by a May 19, 1982 letter of provenance from Carter’s widow, written on White House stationery, which reads, in part: “My husband, Melvon O. Carter...had worked for The White House from the time of President Herbert Hoover until President Richard Nixon…he would often pick up the personal golf balls of President Eisenhower, and later, President Kennedy, from the South Lawn of the White House. This President John F. Kennedy golf ball is marked in black letter, ‘President Kennedy.’ On two sides, in black letters it reads, ‘Wilson Staff’…It was owned and used by the President. He loved the game of golf and was an excellent golfer…He would often practice his putting and chipping on the South Lawn of the White House. M. O. Carter picked up the golf ball after the President finished his practice.” In fine condition, with some expected slight discoloration from use, as well as a single surface golf club mark. Kennedy’s love of golf was well-known, as was his drive to continually improve his game, as documented here by practicing his short game right at the White House. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection. RR Auction COA.
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