President Kennedy’s personally-owned and -used personalized presidential golf ball, embossed in black type on opposing sides, “Mr. President” and “John F. Kennedy,” with the number “3” in red below. Another side is embossed in red, “Steel Center.” The ball exhibits general marks and discoloration with signs of use. Accompanied by a white golf tee embossed in black down the side, “President John F. Kennedy.”
Includes a detailed letter of provenance on White House letterhead from the wife of Melvon O. Carter, who had worked on the White House maintenance crew from the time of Presidents Hoover through Nixon. In part: “My husband, Melvon O. Carter…had worked for The White House from the time of President Herbert Hoover until President Richard Nixon…from time to time he would pick up the personal golf balls of Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy on the South Lawn…The president used to practice his shots on the White House South Lawn. M. O. Carter picked up the golf ball after President Kennedy hit it while practicing his game.” Kennedy was a capable golfer, having played on Harvard University's golf team—he was said to have once had a single-digit handicap, and is widely considered the best golfer to have served in the Oval Office. A wonderful, personally-used item from one of the president’s favorite pastimes.
