John F Kennedy’s Golf Balls and Glove Up For Auction On 50th Anniversary
Items from John F. Kennedy’s personal golf bag including two balls and a glove are up for auction on the 50th anniversary of his death. The auction entitled “The 1000 Days of Camelot†is being run by RRauctions.com in Boston on the 24th October and online bidding is well underway. Just reading the descriptions as to the provenance of the items is amazing!
Item 1: JFK Ball
Kennedy’s personally-owned golf ball, embossed in red and black in two places, “J. F. K.,†circa 1962, 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 an October 13, 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 JFK in black and 2 in red in two places. It reads, Steel Center and has one pen mark under the letter L to distinguish it. This was not a presentation golf ball. M. O. Carter picked up the golf ball after President Kennedy hit it while practicing his game.†In fine condition. Provenance: The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection. RR Auction COA.
Item 2: President Kennedy Ball
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.
Item 3: JFK Worn Glove
John F. Kennedy’s personally-owned and -worn golf glove. Tan left-handed leather glove was worn by Kennedy during a round of golf at the Hyannis Port Country Club in July of 1962, left there after having a drink, and retrieved by Donald C. Brett, a Secret Service agent. Accompanied by a 2010 handwritten letter of provenance from Brett, which reads, in part: “This golf glove was worn by President John F. Kennedy when he was playing at The Hyannis Port Country Club in July 1962. On his way out after having a drink, he left this glove on the table where I was sitting. He never returned for it.†Expected wear and soiling, and a couple cracks to the fingertips, otherwise fine condition. Despite his love for golfing, Kennedy often avoided being photographed on the links after his election, as he did not want to be compared to Dwight Eisenhower, who played very publicly. As his term continued, he softened his stance and worked hard to improve his game, even asking Arnold Palmer to critique his play. A wonderful relic from one of Kennedy’s great passions. RR Auction COA.
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