With the presidential election less than a month away, Wilson was notably reluctant to accept this invitation to play golf and felt that he must bow out gracefully. Moreover, Wilson was an avid, yet, unconfident golfer; so, playing with two professional golf rivals (Charles “Chick” Evans, winner of the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur, and Robert Gardener, two-time winner of the U.S. Amateur) probably convinced him to decline. This letter shows the likable side of the President that history seems to have missed.

A letter dated October 9, 1916
To the Honorable William G. McAdoo, Secretary of the Treasury

My dear Mac,

I don't think Mr. Peabody crazy in proposing a golf foursome which should include himself, Chick Evans, Robert Gardner and myself, but I do think that I would be a fool if I went into it. I don't care to have my golf exhibited just at this critical period of our country's history, and I wish you would break this news to Mr. Peabody as gently as may be!

With love from us all to you all,

Affectionately yours,

Woodrow Wilson