I Call Him Mr. President: Golf, Fishing, and Life with George H. W. Bush - Skyhorse

Discover a personal portrait of a lasting outdoors friendship

In I Call Him Mr. President, Ken Raynor, longtime head professional at Cape Arundel Golf Club in Kennebunkport, Maine, shares how President George H. W. Bush befriended him during the president’s annual summer sabbatical. What begins as a working relationship on the golf course grows into a series of adventures—from quiet salt-air evenings at Walkers Point to remote fishing trips off Newfoundland—each chapter weaving sport, travel, and candid moments into a broader narrative about mentorship and memory. Raynor’s account captures not just the rounds and the routes, but the moments when a leader is happiest away from the podium, feet up, watching the Atlantic wind past the porch, and recounting the days’ events.

The book follows Bush from Maine to Augusta National, from Marine One flights to Camp David retreats, and reveals the human side of public life through the eyes of a trusted golf pro who welcomed world leaders, former presidents, and PGA Tour stars to Cape Arundel. It also reflects on the lessons learned outdoors, where conversations can stretch from the swing of a club to the shape of a life well spent. The memoir honors friendship, service, and the enduring pull of the sea and the greens, offering readers a window into a unique era and a unique bond.

What you will discover

• A front row view of historic moments on and off the course, told with warmth and precision.
• Genuine anecdotes about mentorship, camaraderie, and shared outdoor adventures.
• Scenes from award-winning courses, iconic retreats, and peaceful conversations after rounds.
• Vivid descriptions of salt air, rugged coastline, and the hush before a pivotal shot.
• Behind-the-scenes glimpses of entertaining leaders, celebrities, and fellow players with respect and humor.

Who should read this

• Golf fans who want a personal story connected to a president’s life on the green.
• Readers curious about outdoor adventures, travel, and real-life mentorship.
• History enthusiasts seeking a human-centered perspective beyond headlines.
• Anyone looking for thoughtful, evocative memoirs about friendship and the outdoors.

Skyhorse brings this intimate tale to life with accessible prose and a sense of place that invites you to imagine the next round, the next fish, and the next conversation by the water.