TIGER WOODS PROVIDED a glimpse at his private weekend round of golf with US President Barack Obama, saying yesterday that it had been a “pretty cool” experience.
Woods, the first African-American golfer to win a major title from his 1997 triumph at the Masters, and Obama, the first African-American to be elected as US President, teed off together on Sunday at a luxury golf resort in Florida.
“Playing with Mr. President was pretty cool,” Woods said. “He’s just a wonderful person to be around. And we won.”
Woods and Obama defeated US trade representative Ron Kirk and Houston Astros owner Jim Crane, who also owned the resort course where the elite foursome played away from the eyes of the media, who complained about being ditched.
Woods, a 14-time major champion chasing the all-time record of 18 major crowns won by Jack Nicklaus, said he was asked to play alongside Obama during an off weekend in his PGA Tour play.
“There’s a process that’s involved and I was invited to play,” Woods said. “It was an invitation that certainly you don’t turn down, especially being he’s an avid golfer and so am I.”
Woods, who will open against Charles Howell in the World Golf Championships Match Play Championship at Dove Mountain today, praised Obama’s game.
“He has got amazing touch,” Woods said. “He can certainly chip and putt. If he ever spent, after these four years, more time playing the game of golf, I’m sure he could get to where he’s a pretty good stick.”
Woods said he had forgotten Obama, known for playing basketball, was a left-hander and noted that they played in breezy conditions.
“We played under some tough conditions, and he hit the ball well,” Woods said. “He’s a pretty good athlete.”
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