George Washington celebrates birthday with a round of golf

To mark his special day, the president of Mount Vernon Country Club invited General George Washington to play golf on his 275th birthday at Mount Vernon Country Club. On Feb. 11, General Washington, played by actor Don De Haven, joined the Mount Vernon Country Club president and three junior golfers on the 16th tee.

The young players introduced the general to the game, which was followed by cake in the clubhouse.

Joe Ricci, a spokesman for the club, said that General Washington was actually born on February 11, 1732.  In 1752, he said, England and her colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar, adding eleven days to the old calendar. That change resulted in the current celebration of February 22 as the birth anniversary of the nation's first president, Ricci said.

The club's invitation read:

The Honorable George Washington Mount Vernon

Your Excellency,

We cordially invite you to be our guest for a complimentary round of golf on your 275th birthday at the beautiful Mount Vernon Country Club. It is located on your Union Farm, just one mile from your home.

In case you have not been to this part of your farm recently, our 18-hole, par-70 championship golf course, with our signature tree-lined fairways and true greens, are a slight departure from your fields and pastures.  We are confident, though, that you will enjoy the change.

We are planning to start at 11:00 AM, weather permitting.  We know you have not played golf, so we will provide all the necessary equipment.

Please join us after golf in a celebration of your birthday in our club house.  A few of your neighbors will join us.

We look forward to hosting you on February 11th.   

Sincerely,

Ken Baskette
President