Nina Caldwell
Former US President Barack Obama is known for his love of golf, a sport he took up in 1998. Obama is left-handed, and his golfing style has been described as playing percentage golf, always keeping the ball under control. He has spent roughly 1,000 hours playing 214 rounds of golf since he was elected in 2008, and his handicap is said to be 24. Obama has faced criticism for his frequent golfing outings, especially when he teed off minutes after announcing the murder of journalist James Foley by ISIS in 2014. Despite this, he has continued to golf during his post-presidential years, with photos of him golfing on Martha's Vineyard sparking conspiracies in 2023.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Left-handed | Yes |
| Number of rounds played | 214 since 2008, 333 during his presidency |
| Number of hours spent playing golf | 1,000 since 2008, 1,100 as president |
| Golfing habits | Golfs with a glove on his right hand and no glove on his left hand |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Obama is left-handed
Barack Obama is left-handed. He is the first left-handed president to play golf, and he played about 333 rounds during his eight years as president. Obama's love of golf is well-documented, and it is estimated that he has spent over 1,000 hours playing 214 rounds since he was elected in 2008.
Obama's golfing habits have not gone unnoticed, and he has faced criticism for his pricey golf outings. Notably, in 2014, he played golf minutes after condemning the murder of journalist James Foley by ISIS. Obama later acknowledged that he should have recognised the criticism he received for this.
Obama's golf game has been described as "honest" and "composed", and he is said to make fun of himself when he hits a bad shot. He has also been described as a "bad winner" and a "bad loser" by Dan Shomon, an Obama aide in the state Senate. Shomon recalls that when Obama won, he would brag about it, and when he lost, he would become quiet and sulky.
Obama's dedication to the sport has paid off, with rumours that his scorecard regularly hits the mid-80s. In an interview, he described how he had come agonisingly close to "breaking 80", a proud achievement for any amateur golfer.
PGA Superstore: Price Matching Promise?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He has spent 1,000+ hours playing golf
Barack Obama's love for golf is well-known. He is said to have spent over 1,000 hours playing golf, with some sources claiming the number to be closer to 1,100 hours. This translates to about 214 rounds of golf since he was elected to office in 2008, or about 247 rounds according to another source.
Obama's golfing habits have drawn criticism, especially from members of the 2016 field, including then-Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump. Trump, in a short video on Instagram, spliced footage of the extremist group ISIS with a picture of Obama smiling in a golf cart. Obama himself acknowledged that golfing minutes after condemning the murder of journalist James Foley by ISIS in 2014 was a bad idea, saying, "I should've anticipated the optics."
Despite the criticism, Obama's dedication to the sport seems to have paid off. Initially considered a "hack" player by former NBA legend Michael Jordan, Obama's game is said to have improved significantly over the years. In an interview in August 2015, he described how he had come agonizingly close to "breaking 80"—a proud achievement for any amateur golfer. Obama's scorecard is now rumoured to regularly hit the mid-80s.
Obama's golfing partners have shed light on his performance on the fairway. One partner described him as a picture of composure on the golf course, saying, "He makes a bad shot, and he makes fun of himself. You make a bad shot, and he makes a joke with you. He just seems happy to be out there, so the poor play doesn't bother him." Another partner, speaking to the New York Times, said, "He's honest, he keeps his composure through terrible adversity, he's unruffled, he smiles, and he doesn't quit."
Golf Sets: Where to Buy the Best Equipment
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He played around 333 rounds as president
Barack Obama's love of golf is well-documented. Obama played approximately 333 rounds of golf during his eight years as president, amounting to roughly 1,000 hours spent on the golf course since his election in 2008. This equates to about 247 rounds of golf by the time of his sixth summer vacation, according to CNN's "State of the Union" broadcast. Obama's dedication to the sport has led to speculation about his aptitude and mannerisms on the course.
Obama's golfing partners have provided insights into his performance and demeanour. They describe him as a composed player who makes light of his mistakes, even joking about his poor shots. The president's practice has evidently paid off, with rumours of his scorecard regularly reaching the mid-80s. This improvement is a testament to his dedication, as he expressed a desire to become a single-digit handicapper after his presidency.
Obama's golfing habits have not escaped criticism, particularly from members of the 2016 field. During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump drew attention to Obama's golfing habits, criticising him for spending too much time on the golf course and the associated carbon footprint. Trump's comments sparked comparisons between the two leaders, with Trump's golf-related carbon footprint exceeding Obama's, even when considering only air travel.
Obama's golfing has also sparked controversy on certain occasions, such as when he played golf just minutes after condemning the murder of journalist James Foley by ISIS. Obama later acknowledged the criticism he received for this incident, conceding that golfing so soon after the announcement was a bad idea.
Despite the scrutiny and criticism, Obama's passion for golf is undeniable. He even built a 3-hole course at his own house, although he reportedly gave up the game during his second term and removed the White House putting green.
Golf Zone Performance: Scam or Real Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He faced criticism for his golf outings
Former US President Barack Obama has faced criticism for his frequent golf outings. During his presidency, Obama played golf once every 8.77 days, totalling 333 rounds in eight years. While some may view golf as a harmless hobby or pastime, Obama's enthusiasm for the sport has drawn scrutiny from various quarters, including political opponents, the media, and the public.
One notable incident occurred in 2014 when Obama played golf minutes after delivering a sombre statement on the murder of American journalist James Foley by Islamic State militants. This juxtaposition of events drew criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, with some arguing that it showed a lack of sensitivity and awareness of the ongoing crises. Obama later conceded that golfing so soon after the statement was a mistake, acknowledging the importance of the "theater" component of the presidency.
Obama's golf outings have also been criticised in the context of environmental concerns. During the Gulf oil spill crisis, for example, Obama's frequent golf excursions were scrutinised by critics who argued that the severity of the situation warranted a more focused and attentive response from the president. Similar criticisms were levelled at Obama by then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, who accused Obama of neglecting his duties and contributing to a negative carbon footprint due to his frequent golf trips to Hawaii.
Trump, during his presidential campaign in 2016, vowed that he would not have time to play golf if elected, promising to prioritise the responsibilities of the presidency. However, data shows that Trump spent far more time at golf clubs compared to Obama at the same point in their respective terms, contradicting his earlier statements. Trump's criticism of Obama's golfing habits, therefore, appears to be a political strategy to shift blame and distract from his own actions.
Despite the criticisms, there are also defences of Obama's golf outings. White House spokespeople have emphasised the importance of the president having time to relax and clear his mind, arguing that golfing does not detract from Obama's dedication to addressing the country's issues. They have also highlighted Obama's achievements and active engagement in resolving crises, such as the Gulf oil spill, demonstrating that golfing is not indicative of a lack of commitment to presidential duties.
Golf Clash Cheats: Are They Safe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He has been photographed with bandages and tape on his left hand
Barack Obama, the former president of the United States, has been photographed with bandages and tape on his left hand. This has sparked various conspiracy theories, including one that links the bandages to the mysterious death of his personal chef, Tafari Campbell. However, the bandages seen on Obama's left hand are, in fact, golfer's tape. Obama is known to be a left-handed golfer, and the tape is strategically placed to prevent blisters and split calluses, which are common issues for golfers.
Obama has been seen wearing similar finger coverings on multiple occasions while golfing, especially during his family vacations to Martha's Vineyard. In 2014, he was photographed at the Farm Neck Golf Club with a single bandage on his left middle finger, and in 2010, he was seen with a similar bandage while playing at the Vineyard Golf Club in Edgartown. Obama's spokesperson, Eric Schultz, confirmed that the bandages are indeed golfer's tape and that their use is standard practice for the former president.
Golf professionals, such as Brad Woodger, owner of the Royal and Ancient Chappaquiddick Links golf course on Martha's Vineyard, have also weighed in on the matter. Woodger explained that the placement of the tape on Obama's fingers is typical among golfers, as the friction and movement of the club can cause blisters in certain contact spots on the hand. This clarification dispels any suspicions surrounding Obama's bandaged fingers, emphasizing that they are a common practice in the golfing world to protect the hands from the rigors of the sport.
Obama's love for golf is well-known, and he has been criticized for his frequent golfing outings, especially during his presidency. He has spent a significant amount of time on the golf course, with estimates suggesting he has played over 1,000 hours of golf since taking office in 2008. Obama's golfing habits have drawn attention, not only for the time dedicated to the sport but also for the revelations about his left-handed playing style, as evidenced by the strategic placement of tape on his left hand.
Golf Gloves: How Long Do They Last?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Barack Obama is left-handed.
Yes, Obama has played golf since at least 2009.
Obama has played about 247 rounds of golf, spending more than 1,100 hours on the golf course.
