In a Rare Appearance, George W. Bush Hits the Green

“Reminds me of the old days,” President George W. Bush quipped right before ripping a drive in a rare television appearance Friday on Fox while indulging in a time-honored presidential pastime – golf.

Bush hit the green at Ridgewood Country Club in Waco, Texas, for Patriot Golf Day, a fundraiser for which he is the honorary chair. The event, organized by the Folds of Honor Foundation, will raise scholarship funds for the children and spouses of disabled or deceased members of the military.

He was joined by program founder Maj. Dan Rooney, PGA of America President Jim Remy, Purple Heart recipient Heath Calhoun, and Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade.

It’s one of the few times Bush has appeared publicly since leaving office in 2008.

Like presidents from Eisenhower to Obama, Bush was criticized for spending time on the green while in office. He had given up golf for a time in 2003, saying that playing the game during wartime sent the wrong signal to troops fighting overseas and their families.

The world will be hearing much more from Bush when his memoir, Decision Points, is released in November after the midterm elections. The book will revisit fourteen major decisions made during his tenure in the Oval Office.

Asked by Brian Kilmeade if he had any advice before he teed off, the president said, “Take a deep breath.”

Watch Bush teeing off in Waco, Texas, here: