WASHINGTON, February 19, 2013 — President Obama spent his mini-vacation over the three-day Presidents Day weekend, getting in a lot of golf in Palm City, Fla., including time on the links Sunday with Tiger Woods.
The White House barred all press coverage except for what the White House released, frustrating the media at its lack of access or at least photo ops.
While the President first met Woods at the 2009 Inaugural, this is the first time they have played golf together. They were originally going to play at Woods’ home club, The Medalist Golf Club, but Obama opted for the Floridian Yacht & Golf Club, designed by Gary Player, in Palm City, about an hour and a half north of Miami.
Woods and Obama play golf in these photos, but on separate days AP
According to a White House spokesman, Jim Crane, a Houston businessman, who owns both the Floridian and the Houston Astros, and outgoing U.S. Trade Representative and former Dallas mayor, Ron Kirk, joined them on the links.
While neither the President nor Tiger Woods had any comments about their game, Crane did say that “They had a nice camaraderie. There was a little ribbing going on, and we had a lot of fun,” he said.
After playing 18 holes together, Woods left and the President played another round of nine holes. The whole weekend has been a relaxing golf outing for the Commander-in-Chief.
Golf Digest also reported that on Saturday, Obama received instruction from Woods’ former swing coach, Butch Harmon, as well as playing 27 holes with him and hitting balls in Harmon’s studio.
Woods’ personal life and life as a golf pro tanked after the 2009 revelations of his numerous affairs and divorce. Since returning to golf, he has steadily regained his mojo after not winning for two years. He is now ranked No. 2 in the world and three weeks ago won his last tournament in San Diego.
President Obama returned to Washington Monday night. In his first term in office, President Obama played 113 rounds of golf, according to Golf Digest.
Michelle Obama and daughters, Malia and Sasha, were skiing this weekend in Aspen, Colo.
This article is the copyrighted property of the writer and Communities @ WashingtonTimes.com. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING TWTC CONTENT WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.
