Obama Bemoans Golf Swing To Russian Reporter

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says he doesn't like his golf swing and the ball never goes where he wants.

Obama told Russian state-run Rossiya TV and ITAR-TASS news agency that he's been working on his golf game lately. However, he disclosed in the interview that he hasn't had much success.

The president, who has been playing golf most weekends with aides, says he thinks he should be good at the game. Yet his shots never seem to go straight.

Obama played a quick nine holes on Saturday before a Fourth of July picnic at the White House.

The White House released a transcript of his interview on Sunday hours before Obama heads to Russia for his first trip as president.

Comments

[meetdanet]

Understand that he has a hits a mean hook (left) shot!

[progpro1]

Obama grew up on Oahu, where any local can play on several muni courses that are super cheap - $6 currently for an adult. It is not a sport of the rich in Hawaii. Mr. President - you need lessons! I have a few slots open right now on my lesson schedule for this month.

[hulagirrrl]

Have you seen him body surfing????? He probably spent his time on the beach.

[lentinelia]

What is it with presidents and golf?
Is it a requirement?
Any interest in chess?
Ping pong?
Tennis?
Governing?

[kasinca]

Fresh air, time away from the office, time with friends. What is wrong with golf? If you are thinking about the details of work, you are not playing very well. If you are playing well, you are not thinking about the details of work. It gives the mind a break for a couple of hours.

[FebM]

Hero worship pixs Nice
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Jackeens_for_Obama

[madatnewsmedia]

Nice pictures!!!

[filo]

Very nice pictures !!

We are in good hands people.

[fcsakes]

Very nice! Was expecting run-of-the-mill pix, but these are an entirely different look taken from some very interesting angles.

(the only thing that would have made them better would be if the poster had used Irfanview to reduce the size)

[sviolette]

Thanks nice pics.

[quantumspin]

Reminds me of Hoover, Bush Sr. and W. We have an out of touch president.

[daedelus]

Because he golfs?

[Sabreen60]

What??? Many people of all flavors golf. Where have you been???

[eternalkerri]

yes, because the man takes a few hours out of a very busy schedule he is out of touch!!!!

i guess Im out of touch with work because Im on the computer. Oh god, Im out of touch with my friends because Im not on the phone. OH GOD IM OUT OF TOUCH WITH NATURE BECAUSE IM INSIDE!!!!

[ranchero42]

Cut the poor guy some slack. Who the hell can afford to PLAY golf in Hawaii; let alone afford the greens fees to LEARN there?

[thereallawrence]

how come everyone gets into golf at a certain age if they have money? that's kind of creepy.

[janie@atthelake]

There are courses that have low fees, I have been playing since I was 17 and my son who is 21 has played for years and years.
Golf is a life long sport---and NO physical violence. Golf is a mental game of skill....kinda like fly-fishing.
Its is very peaceful to walk a course with green grass and trees. Kudos to the President for at least giving it a shot.

[patrickmcdougal]

I have played golf since I was 7 and I love it, but at the same time I believe Mark Twain was correct when he said that "Golf is a good walk spoiled".

[cungar]

Millions of middle income people golf. Ever heard of a public golf course? Educate yourself.

[1088]

This is the full article, very good read!

http://thepage.time.com/transcript-obama-interview-with-russian-tv-station/

[Gretel1or2]

I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for the link 1088!

[Sabreen60]

I thank you also. It was a very good read.

[dwill123]

Mr. President, give Charles Barkley a call.

[WowJones]

It's not a game that lends itself to casual play. I would be worried if you were good. That would mean you've spent way too much time at it. You're POTUS, The Williams Sisters just swept at Wimbledon, and Tiger Woods won the AT & T National today.

[lentinelia]

I'm really happy that Obama is working on his golf game.
Kinda like Nero fiddling.

[j mcdouglas]

"He's doing too much!!!"

"He's not doing enough!!!"

Come on Republicans, make up your feeble minds.

[flamflurm]

I think Nero could play!

[lentinelia]

Actually, Nero was a first rate violinist.
He frequently appeared with the top orchestras of his day.
He was the first musician to tour the Far East.
He was so popular that women and men swooned at the majesty of his music.
At the time, the newspapers proclaimed him the "King of Schmaltz" and his fans "Neromaniacs".

[Jaladeno]

Sanford and Ensign were the ones doing the fiddling lately.

[sviolette]

He didn't say diddlin' silly.

[unity08]

Only he didnt start the fire, Bush did.

[NoblesseOblige]

How quickly and conveniently they forget.

[eternalkerri]

so do you spend 100% of your life at work?

or should we just paint a big S on his shirts?

[justaguy]

I'm kind of OK with the concept that the President of the United States gets lousy at sports; can't get a lot of recreational reading in or follow most of his hobbies. It means to me that he's actually trying to pay attention to something else. Perhaps he's focusing on the United States. Our economy is a disaster still. We have two wars going on. North Korea wants attention. Education lags. You get the drift. He can get good at stuff when he's no longer POTUS.

[Colloquielle]

On the other hand, remaining healthy and active will help him cope with the kind of workload he has in front of him. He's not like Bush, dumping work for a two hour workout every lunchtime and holidays every other week,

[Pigeon2]

Yep....It`s important that Nobama remain healthy.....Wait...Isn`t he a smoker????

[ohmetoo]

It would be really cool if Tiger Woods would give him a few lessons and few inside tips, as the President doesn't really have very much time to practice up! I'd just love to see that lesson!

[Miyake]

I agree. Especially with Tiger putting another cup on his mantel

[gallon]

The south lawn of the White House is plenty large enough for putting and chipping around.
Where he gets the needed exercise though will be walking nine holes now and then.
Good for him.

[eternalkerri]

to late. swing set, helicopter pad and a fountain out there already.

besides. its covered in dog poo.

on top of that. you want some knucklehead on the street heckling your every shot?

[ohiomark]

If this story was about Bush's golf game, you Libs would be going nuts.

Double standard anyone?