George W. Bush visits with Walker Cup squads

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. – Secret service lingered around National Golf Links on Thursday as former president George W. Bush paid a visit to U.S. and Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cuppers. The Americans sat down to lunch with No. 43 and got a few words of wisdom. Humble was the word of the day. “He talked a lot about humility and not letting the fame get to us,” said Michael Kim of the U.S. team. After lunch, the Americans split into fivesomes and Bush laced up his golf shoes for a few quick holes. He played Nos. 1 and 2 with the first fivesome, Nos. 17 and 18 with the second. “He swung it actually really well,” Kim said. “He is a lot better than I thought he’d be. He’s a good player, I think he said he’s about a 10 (handicap).” Not surprisingly, it’s been a patriotic week for the U.S. team. There were early-week trips to the 9/11 Memorial and the U.S. Open Tennis Championship. Players are staying in cottages across the fence row at Sebonack Golf Club. From their back doors, it’s just a few short steps to Sebonack’s range. It just feels like another college tournament to me," Kim said of the U.S. squad. "It’s tough playing against these guys but to be on the (same) team is reassuring."