Clinton to be honorary chairman at Presidents Cup

President Clinton accepted an invitation to serve as honorary chairman for the Presidents Cup matches next year.

Former presidents George Bush and Gerald Ford have also taken the role when the biennial matches have been played in the United States. Clinton will be the first president to serve while still in office when the matches return to the Robert Trent Jones Club in Virginia on Oct. 20-22.

"I know that, more and more, people around the world share America's enthusiasm for golf," Clinton said. "The Presidents Cup helps bring our countries together in spirited and good-natured competition."

The Americans won both matches at Robert Trent Jones Club in 1994 and 1996. The International team won for the first time in December at Royal Melbourne, Australia, handing the United States its worst loss in match-play history, 20-1/2-11-1/2. Australia Prime Minister John Howard was honorary chairman for the 1998 event.

Clinton attended the 1996 matches in Gainesville, Va.

"I am looking forward to another display of skill and sportsmanship," he said.

AP