Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Golf
18 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Reagan, Palmer
President Nixon initiated this call to wish Congressman Donald Brotzman a happy 50th birthday and engage in casual conversation regarding Brotzman’s recent golf outing at the Greenbrier. The discussion briefly transitioned to substantive legislative business, with Brotzman informing the President that he and his colleagues were actively working on the administration's revenue sharing program. The President expressed appreciation for these efforts and his optimism regarding the potential passage of a viable bill.
President Nixon, Secretary of State William P. Rogers, and H.R. Haldeman discuss the poor press coverage and negative public perception of Vice President Spiro Agnew’s recent 30-day foreign trip. The participants attribute the backlash to Agnew’s excessive time spent golfing, his refusal to engage with the press or follow scheduling advice, and his lack of substantive appearances. Ultimately, the group expresses frustration that Agnew ignored his staff's guidance and exacerbated his own difficulties, though they agree on the need to boost his morale upon his return.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman briefly conferred regarding stock market activity, specifically discussing the sale of 31 million shares. The President requested that documentation regarding this transaction be brought to him for review. Following this administrative exchange, Nixon indicated his intention to depart for a round of golf.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler held a brief meeting to coordinate messaging regarding the President’s recent leisure activities. The discussion focused on establishing the narrative for upcoming golf outings involving William P. Rogers at Burning Tree and Bob Hope in San Clemente. This interaction served to ensure consistent public communication regarding the administration's recreational schedule.
President Nixon initiated this brief call to George H. Mahon to extend personal birthday greetings and relay well wishes from the First Lady to Mrs. Mahon. The conversation touched upon lighthearted topics, including Mahon’s golf game as referenced by Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird. The call concluded with a brief exchange expressing mutual support regarding the challenges of the presidency and national affairs.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell coordinate an afternoon golf outing at Burning Tree Country Club. Nixon directs Mitchell to reschedule an antitrust meeting with John Ehrlichman to accommodate their plans. The two men agree to meet at the course to tee off at 2:30 p.m.
President Nixon initiated this brief call to Congressman Glenn R. Davis to extend belated birthday greetings. The two men engaged in lighthearted personal banter, referencing information provided by Clark MacGregor regarding their respective ages. The conversation concluded with a casual discussion about golf and the President expressing his appreciation for Davis's legislative support.
President Richard Nixon called Governor Ronald Reagan to exchange Christmas greetings and invite him to join a diplomatic golf outing with Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato at Walter Annenberg’s estate. Nixon planned for the January 7, 1972, event to serve as a symbolic gesture to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations following formal policy discussions. Reagan expressed interest in attending, though he noted he would verify his schedule, and Nixon confirmed that political rivals Senators John Tunney and Alan Cranston were explicitly excluded from the invitation.
President Richard Nixon contacted Governor Ronald Reagan to extend holiday greetings and formally invite him to join a diplomatic outing with Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Satō. The proposed event, scheduled for January 7, 1972, involved a golf outing at the estate of Ambassador Walter Annenberg following official meetings. Reagan accepted the invitation, and the two men concluded the brief discussion with personal remarks regarding the upcoming Washington Redskins versus San Francisco 49ers playoff game.
President Nixon held a brief, informal telephone conversation with an individual identified as George to exchange New Year's Eve pleasantries. The discussion centered on upcoming holiday plans at a cabin and lighthearted remarks regarding a shared interest in golf. No policy matters or substantive political business were addressed during this interaction.
President Nixon held a brief, informal telephone conversation with Paul Miller to inquire about Miller’s activities and golf plans. The discussion remained personal and social in nature, serving as a check-in rather than a deliberation on official policy or administrative matters. No significant decisions or action items were addressed during the brief exchange.
President Nixon directed the White House operator to place an outgoing telephone call to professional golfer Arnold Palmer. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to initiate communication between the President and the athlete. No further policy or substantive matters were discussed during this connection.
President Nixon held a brief telephone conversation with professional golfer Arnold Palmer to discuss Palmer's recent tournament victory and upcoming professional plans. The two also addressed the return of American prisoners of war and reflected on the political implications of the December 1972 bombing campaign in North Vietnam. The discussion served as a cordial exchange regarding both the status of professional golf, including references to Bob Hope and Jack Nicklaus, and the broader context of national military policy.
President Nixon met with FAA Administrator John H. Shaffer and his wife, accompanied by Stephen B. Bull, for a social visit in the Oval Office. The conversation consisted primarily of introductions, formal photography, and casual chitchat regarding Shaffer’s professional background at Trans World Airways. The group also discussed recreational topics, specifically their shared memberships at private golf clubs and the President’s performance on the links.
President Nixon met with entertainer Bob Hope to discuss plans for a national televised tribute to returning prisoners of war (POWs) and the potential establishment of a scholarship fund for the children of Vietnam veterans. Nixon emphasized his administration's desire to honor these servicemen while avoiding exploitative fundraising tactics, instead suggesting a coordinated event involving celebrities and potential network broadcasts. The conversation also touched upon the President's recent golf activities, foreign policy developments regarding China, and lighthearted anecdotes about Hope's recent travels.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the logistics of organizing, distributing, and storing the President's personal golf club sets across various locations, including the White House and Burning Tree Country Club. They specifically addressed the need to maintain a complete set of clubs for use at the White House while coordinating with Donald Kendall regarding offers to provide additional equipment. The conversation concluded with instructions to transfer a complete set of clubs to Burning Tree.
President Richard Nixon met with professional golfer Arnold Palmer to offer personal congratulations on Palmer's recent tournament victory. The brief interaction focused on the President's appreciation for Palmer’s athletic achievement and his interest in the golfer's upcoming season. The two concluded the conversation by expressing a mutual desire to play a round of golf together in the future.
President Nixon held a brief, informal meeting with an unknown woman in the Oval Office to discuss her upcoming travel plans. The conversation focused on the woman's impending departure for California to begin employment with Thomas Hart. Nixon inquired about her personal interests, specifically her golf experience, before concluding the meeting as he prepared to depart for a helicopter trip.