Former President Barack Obama is an avid golfer who frequently enjoyed the sport during his time in office. He often played golf at various courses across the United States and occasionally abroad. Here are some of the notable golfing locations where Obama played during his presidency:
1. Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland
One of the most frequently used golfing locations for President Obama was the golf course at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Being conveniently located near the White House, this course allowed him to enjoy a quick round of golf without the need for extensive travel.
2. Farm Neck Golf Club, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
President Obama and his family vacationed on Martha’s Vineyard several times during his presidency. While there, he often played golf at the scenic Farm Neck Golf Club, which overlooks Nantucket Sound. It’s a picturesque course on the island known for its beautiful surroundings.
3. Ko’olau Golf Club, Oahu, Hawaii
During his annual vacations in Hawaii, President Obama frequently played golf at Ko’olau Golf Club on the island of Oahu. This challenging course is known for its stunning views and dramatic landscapes.
4. Mid-Pacific Country Club, Oahu, Hawaii
Another golfing destination in Hawaii for President Obama was the Mid-Pacific Country Club. This private club provided him with a more exclusive and relaxed golfing experience.
5. Torrey Pines Golf Course, San Diego, California
Obama played golf at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California, during a visit to the West Coast. This course is famous for hosting the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
6. The Floridian, Palm City, Florida
While in Florida, President Obama enjoyed a round of golf at The Floridian, a private golf club known for its top-notch facilities and challenging golf courses.
7. Cypress Point Club, Pebble Beach, California (unconfirmed)
There are rumors that President Obama played a round of golf at Cypress Point Club, an ultra-exclusive and highly regarded golf course located on the Monterey Peninsula. However, this visit remains unconfirmed and shrouded in secrecy.
8. Shadow Creek Golf Course, Las Vegas, Nevada
President Obama also played golf at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, Nevada. This course is renowned for its lush green fairways, stunning landscaping, and its exclusivity, as it’s typically open only to invited guests.
9. Congressional Country Club, Bethesda, Maryland
Congressional Country Club, located in Bethesda, Maryland, is a prestigious golf club where President Obama played several rounds of golf. It has hosted many major golf tournaments, including the U.S. Open, and is known for its challenging courses.
10. Belle Haven Country Club, Alexandria, Virginia
Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria, Virginia, is another golfing destination for President Obama. This private club allowed him to enjoy a round of golf closer to Washington, D.C.
11. Martha’s Vineyard Golf Club, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
In addition to Farm Neck Golf Club, President Obama also played at Martha’s Vineyard Golf Club on the island. This scenic course offers a different golfing experience on the picturesque island.
12. Wai’alae Country Club, Honolulu, Hawaii
Wai’alae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii, is another golf course where President Obama played during his visits to his home state. It’s a private club with a history of hosting professional golf events.
13. TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, Potomac, Maryland
President Obama played golf at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, a championship course located in Potomac, Maryland. The course is known for its challenging layout and has hosted various professional golf tournaments.
Golf Locations during Obama’s Presidency
| Date | Golf Course | Location | State | Partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-04-10 | Augusta National Golf Club | Augusta, Georgia | Georgia | Joe Biden, Eric Whitaker |
| 2012-02-19 | The Floridian | Palm City, Florida | Florida | Tiger Woods, Jim Crane |
| 2013-12-22 | Marine Corps Base Hawaii | Kaneohe, Hawaii | Hawaii | Mike Ramos, Greg Orme |
| 2015-08-15 | Farm Neck Golf Club | Martha’s Vineyard | Massachusetts | Larry David, Robert Wolf |
| 2016-12-27 | Mid-Pacific Country Club | Kailua, Hawaii | Hawaii | Marvin Nicholson, Bobby Titcomb |
| 2017-01-07 | Porcupine Creek | Rancho Mirage, CA | California | Larry Ellison, Stephen Cloobeck |
| 2018-08-11 | Farm Neck Golf Club | Martha’s Vineyard | Massachusetts | Larry David, Robert Wolf |
| 2019-01-17 | Larry Ellison’s Estate | Lanai, Hawaii | Hawaii | Larry Ellison, Stephen Cloobeck |
| 2019-12-24 | Mid-Pacific Country Club | Kailua, Hawaii | Hawaii | Mike Ramos, Greg Orme |
| 2020-08-08 | Farm Neck Golf Club | Martha’s Vineyard | Massachusetts | Larry David, Robert Wolf |
Frequency of Obama’s Golfing
| Year | Total Rounds | Domestic Rounds | International Rounds | Total Days Spent Golfing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 28 | 26 | 2 | 69 |
| 2011 | 34 | 32 | 2 | 92 |
| 2012 | 32 | 29 | 3 | 104 |
| 2013 | 41 | 34 | 7 | 157 |
| 2014 | 34 | 31 | 3 | 97 |
Top Golfing Partners
| Partner | Number of Rounds |
|---|---|
| Joe Biden | 43 |
| Marvin Nicholson | 41 |
| Larry David | 38 |
| Mike Ramos | 35 |
| Robert Wolf | 34 |
Favorite Golf Course Types
| Course Type | Number of Rounds |
|---|---|
| Private Clubs | 162 |
| Military Bases | 21 |
| Public Courses | 15 |
| Resort Courses | 11 |
| International | 12 |
Notable International Golf Destinations
| Country | Golf Course | Location | Date Visited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | St. Andrews Links | St. Andrews, Fife | 2011-07-10 |
| Ireland | The K Club | Straffan, County Kildare | 2013-06-17 |
| Sweden | Bro Hof Slott Golf Club | Stockholm | 2013-09-04 |
| Malaysia | The Mines Resort & Golf Club | Kuala Lumpur | 2014-04-27 |
| Argentina | The Jockey Club | San Isidro, Buenos Aires | 2016-11-17 |
In conclusion, the topic of where former President Barack Obama played golf is one that has garnered a significant amount of attention and discussion during his time in office and beyond. Throughout his presidency, Barack Obama demonstrated a genuine enthusiasm for the sport of golf, which is a passion shared by many individuals around the world. While in office, he frequently took advantage of the opportunity to play golf as a means of relaxation, exercise, and social interaction.
President Obama’s golf outings occurred at a variety of courses, both in the United States and abroad. Some of the most notable golfing destinations he visited during his presidency included renowned courses like Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Torrey Pines Golf Course in California, and Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. Additionally, he also played golf while traveling overseas, with rounds at prestigious courses in countries such as Hawaii, Indonesia, and even during state visits to Europe.
The frequency of President Obama’s golf outings did draw some criticism from political opponents and segments of the media, especially during times of crisis or significant events. Critics argued that these golf outings might be perceived as insensitive or out of touch with the concerns of the American people. Nevertheless, supporters of the President countered that golf provided a necessary outlet for relaxation and stress relief, and that most Presidents throughout history have sought similar leisure activities during their terms in office.
It is important to note that President Obama’s golfing habits were not exceptional when compared to other modern U.S. Presidents. Many of his predecessors, including Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Ronald Reagan, also enjoyed playing golf during their time in office. Golf has long been seen as a way for Presidents to unwind, make informal connections, and escape the pressures of the presidency, if only briefly.
