December 26, 2008
Posted: 01:30 PM ET
Barack Obama spends his Christmas vacation golfing in Hawaii.
Barack Obama spends his Christmas vacation golfing in Hawaii.

Golf.com has performed an important service. It has posted five photographs, taken by AP photographer Gerald Herbert, that shows President-elect Barack Obama on vacation in Hawaii playing golf. This is invaluable as we all know that nothing, not even a CNN special called "Obama Revealed," reveals the soul as ruthlessly and efficiently as how one plays the old Scottish game.

John F. Kennedy nearly made a hole-in-one on the short par-3 15th at Cypress Point (the best-smelling hole in all of golf, if you like the mix of eucalyptus and brackish ocean water) while running for the presidency in 1960. Kennedy, considered by presidential golfing historians to be by far the most skilled of our golf-playing presidents, was relieved to see the ball stay out. He was trying to succeed Dwight Eisenhower as president, and not as First Golfer. The game then wasn't the populist activity it has become. Kennedy, foolishly, allowed himself to be photographed taking a golf swing in fancy loafers, no socks. Still, he won West Virginia.

But Obama does not have to run from his golf. The guess here is that he's an athlete and a duffer and fun to play with.

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Filed under: Barack Obama


goofy   December 26th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

Tiger Wood looks pretty good In this pic!!

Jeff in NC   December 26th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

People please! He's not the President yet. He can do whatever he wants until Jan 20th. He's just the average American like all of us trying to enjoy the last bit of normallity in life. After Jan 20 the expectations will be so high and I really feel the Country will be his upmost concern.

Trish   December 26th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

For God's sake CNN – you are so sick. I will go back to my other blogs. Thought by now things might have changed but NOT.

PHIL   December 26th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

HE KNOWS HOW TO PLYA. I LIKE HIM SO ……………….

Tru in FL   December 26th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Love that swing and that swagger Mr. President. ;) "No one on the Hill got swagger like him."

Whomever thinks FOX is unbiased you are funny as heck and gave me good laugh. There is NO UNBIASED news. Until reporters become robots, they are human and bias will be there. Tell Campbell Brown that. For all of her no bias no bull, it is apparent that she can't stand Obama. Also, I don't see how someone could compare them to Will and Jada and try to tell me that isn't race based. Will and Jada and Barack and Michelle are very different people and just because they are all beautiful shades of caramel doesn't make them the same people. Barack Obama is a beautiful smart person and the media loves beauty so the stories will be there. I enjoyed both of his books and I like the stories of him that aren't political. He is a fascinating person and every college educated Black woman I know wishes someone like that could be cloned for them. Haha. (ok…now I know the racist comments are coming after I mention black women since we are always above all, hated the most).

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   December 26th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

@NIKI

No, it's not just you.
The man is smokin' HOT!
Have you seen him shirtless??!?!?!
YUMMY!
Michelle is one lucky woman.

arkansaslastineverythingthatsgood   December 26th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Where's the cigar ?

Robin   December 26th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

I know some people who were not able to afford Christmas gifts for their kids this year. Good to see Obama living it up on taxpayer's money and his 5 star vacation.

Flo   December 26th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

sometimes I feel really bad for Obama…………..whatever he does from now on will be scrutinized by people as evidenced by the posts on most of these stories. CNN mocking Golf.com analysis and reporting it with the zealousness of a tabloid. The man can't even go on vacation without the press trying to get a story. PE I'm glad you're keeping your head above this nonsense, "just keep on keeping on" and 4 years later they will be singing another tune.

PEACE

Irritated in Fl   December 26th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

OMG! Are you serious? First you make us look at his flabby torso with no shirt on then you show him hunched over a golf swing and call him an athelete? You news people are getting desperate.

T   December 26th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Why are there 400+ comments on the Sara Palin calender and only 13 on the Rambo/ Blago Subpoena??????? and who cares about what obama does all day at home, looks like the media is going to let every crazy gun toting religious nut in the U.S get a clear shot. I didnt vote for him but looks to me like he needs to be more protected then this…………………

Chad, Wisco   December 26th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Other than he's a lefty, not a whole lot.

Pete   December 26th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

One question about a man from the Midwest with little kids. Why would you leave Chicago, with all it's snow, to spend Christmas in Hawaii? I know he doesn't have midwest values.

Pete   December 26th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

It tells me that the CNN journalists need to go back to school to figure out what to write about.

Realist   December 26th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

it tells us that he sucks.

Leah DiMarco, Texas   December 26th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

CNN thank you for keeping up with all the trivia of Obama – it's good to see him having some fun – he has a lot of work to do in the near future ;)

Milhouse van Houten   December 26th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Well.let's see,it appears his stance is a little bit open,his left knee is to upright.Not enough flex on his left side,clubs a little open at the top of his swing.I would guess,at best he hits a high fade but at worst,he has a nasty slice.

tom   December 26th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

I wonder if he cheats as much as Clinton?…I mean at GOLF. Get your minds out of the gutter.

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   December 26th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Barack is a hottie.

And a smart one too!

Tom in CA   December 26th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

If Barack was a good golfer (handicap =15), then you get your mulligans and everyone knows that you're not a sandbagger!

Rich   December 26th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

It tells us that CNN has nothing better to do than write stories that mean nothing and is a waist of time.

THE OLD TIMER   December 26th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

HE TALKS OUT OF BOTH SIDES OF HIS MOUTH

clifford   December 26th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

Just what are we going to do about his saucer shaped parachute dumbo ears???

Norom   December 26th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

Noah the nitwit-
Rohde the retard
Get a life

Lauren   December 26th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

CNN = National Enquirer

What is next? What brand of toilet paper Obama uses?
I suppose this is the best we get from college educated journalism
reporters. I think my small town local paper staff could do better.

Maybe I will just start going to Fox news for my information.

vanessa   December 26th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Barack Obama's golf swing doesn't tell us anything you stalkers. The media has become too opsessed with this dirty Chicago politician, I can't wait to see the media turn on him once he commits a crime.He probablly won't cheat on his wife like Bill did, but maybe he'll implement the same old dirty Chicago politics like "Blago," or maybe Wright and Ayers might help him lead.

Florida Gold   December 26th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

I`m sure the media would like to know what brand of toilet tissue he uses

Elaine Armstrong   December 26th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

I'm a Canadian, but we must keep up with the States because if You sneeze we catch cold.Having said that I must tell you how pleased we are about Obama getting in and I don't care what you write about him as long as your're getting rid of Bush. I think he's mentally unstable to have done what's he's been doing for 7.9 years. Hey, just my opinion.

chuck   December 26th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

MR.PRESIDENT YOU WILL DEFINITELY NEED TO CONTACT THE MASTER TIGER WOODS FOR SOME TIPS ON GOLF.

Maurizio/Rome   December 26th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

There is a serious world recessionan, and this the best you can do, CNN?

A.P   December 26th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Mr Obama I approve your last vacation.You have alot of job to done. Finish your job Before go to next vacation. I am your best Friends Ap.

Edwin   December 26th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

Seriously?! You honestly think that his caliber as a leader can be measured by his freakin golf swing?!

I cast by ballot for obama but this is insane!

Dakota   December 26th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

he looks like tiger woods out there

fairness   December 26th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

when people will stop comparing ones to others? Why we all cannot be our own individualities? I personally do not like to be compared to anyone. I am I, myself. SO is everyone else.
Kennedy was himself, Obama is himself, Einstein was is own person too, and anyone.
It is so ridiculous to compare and keep comparing instead of finding unique qualities.

Joyce   December 26th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

I am all for Obama, but agree that maybe the coverage is a little bit too much. How do I handle it? I just ignore it because it's not worth getting upset about….anyway there may be some people interested in his golf game, even if I am not.

Debby   December 26th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Poor guy, I am surprised we aren't reading about his latrine duties hahaha.

Taa Taa   December 26th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Keep it up CNN… I absolutely love it.. I log on to see what is being said about my President. Haters can log on elsewhere as this is not the only news out there…. Love Obama/Biden Hey now!!!!!!!!!!

jimbo   December 26th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

To all right wing RACISTS – you will be RULED over by a black man for 4 yrs, whether you like it or not. That's right…hahaha…eat your hearts out. I look forward to watching you squirm in pain for 4 yrs losers. Hahahaha…

TexAnnie *-*-*-*-*   December 26th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Okay, enough of the drivel. I voted for Obama, so I'm not out to slam him. But the constant coverage of such mundane trivial stuff is making the media lookj pretty stupid. Did you all get your training from TMZ or what??????

Joe Unger, San Francisco   December 26th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

What is the complaining about? Obama is one of the biggest celebrities in the world so there are going to be constant stories about him, whether important or not. Until you, the people, stop buying into everything Obama, we will continue to hear every little detail about him. Aren't you tired of hearing about Paris HIlton, Britney Spears, Sarah Palin, Brangelina and the rest also? Me too. Our country is too celebrity obsessed but keep on buying the Obama shirts, caps, inauguaration plates, clicking on stories and buying up the magazines. Until the public stops buying, the sale of Obamamania will keep going on.

GuyInVA   December 26th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

This is a historic moment. The first golf swing by an African American President-elect wearing short pants and two tone golf shoes while occupying one of the non-contiguous states that is less than 50 years into statehood. WOW! Just another mile marker on the Road To Rushmore.

MaryJo Bruce Surprise, Ariz   December 26th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Obamas golf swing tells us that he needs help and a cigarette,

Gregg   December 26th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

It's Hilarious! Conservative followers of Bush just won't give up. We are about to get rid of the worse duo in the history of the united states and they still won't give Obama a break. Hey even the residents of Crawford, Texas wish Bush would find another place to live.

Greg, San Francisco, CA   December 26th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

It means that the press pool has way too much time on their hands. What's happening in Darfur, CNN? How about those Pakistani troop movements? What's up with the Bailout? You went deaf, dumb and blind over GWB and Iraq and now you are turning into Entertainment Tonight over Barack. CNN hosted by Mary Hart.

flyer   December 26th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Perhaps if we are lucky, he will hit himself in the head and get some sence knocked into it.

flybyshoeing   December 26th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

It has become obvious to me anyway that CNN does not read the comments or they would get a grip and pull their underwear out of their butts. By the way CNN, have you checked with Obama's Dentist to find out if he flosses yet? Best Polictical Team on Television, what a laugh.

You comment is pending moderation and may never see the light.

Mike   December 26th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

How dare Obama play golf and frolick on a beach during this economic crisis.
If the tables were turned and this were McCain or Bush doing this CNN and the MSM would insite outrage.

Middle path   December 26th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

proudliberal-independent-

I disagree with you. This country needs to come together and heal. Through his cabinet appointments, Obama is showing us he is not the radical liberal many made him out to be. He is an American first and foremost.

I agree that many changes need to take place.

However, as George Washington predicted, radical partisans from both the Democratic and Republican parties will be the end of this country. They will try to divide us and make us hate each other.

I am an American and a proud Obama supporter!

fefe   December 26th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

But don't be fooled either i think it could juse be the media tryna do this to discredit President Obama. They tryna get other people too say they tired of him, but it want happen he's too fascinating, i just want to eat him up.

Dex for Obama/Biden   December 26th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

CNN you guys need a life! You need to spend time with your family and stop watching Obama's life abd live your own!!!

ken   December 26th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Who really cares?????

Our country needs a work alcoholic and not a golfer! Who has time during our country's crisis to go out and play golf?

I am tired of the media acting as if Obama is some celebrately! It is stupid and not news worthly

Godluvr   December 26th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

I release a Psalm of Protection over you, our President-Elect Obama:

Psalms 91..He will give His angels charge over you..

A race to the bottom   December 26th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Obama is good.Remember Bush the time they stopped him to talk to him from his golf cart?I see Noah the nitwit,with his multiple names is still part of the 17% coming out in Bushs defense,how noble of him.

NY republican   December 26th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Ni niki it's just you. And the media perhaps. I don't even have this many pictures of MY vacations.

Richard Rohde   December 26th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Holy smack. You CNN guys are acting like MSNBC. If you all had fawned over bush this way, he would be leaving with a 100% approval rating. This is very worrisome, when are we going to get some accurate unbiased news. Hey, thats why FOX got started.

Jack Jodell, Minneapolis, MN   December 26th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Both you folks and those over at SI must be bored to death these days…

Journalism?????   December 26th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

I am an Obama supporter but this is ridiculous.

You've so far reported on how he looks in his swimsuit and what he eats for dinner. Now his golf swing???

What next? The frequency and consistency of his bowel movements?

This man is here to repair the worst economic crisis in a generation and return the US to its leadership status in the world. Don't disrespect him by turning him into tabloid fodder.

timothy   December 26th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

Oh My God CNN….Just blow the guy and get it over with please!!! You guys are pathetic.

K-9   December 26th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

a left handed golfer—-does that mean he thinks with his right mind. that would be change for a left wing liberal.

JB   December 26th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

This just in, Obama pooped today. Read all about it on CNN.com or see it on on your CNN channel!

fj from atlanta   December 26th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

slow news day.

proudliberal-independent   December 26th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

i would love to play a round of golf. i would remind him of this quote:

"The middle way is no way at all. If we finally fail in this great and glorious contest, it will be by bewildering ourselves in groping for the middle way." -John Adams, 1776

we need bold leadership, and real action on progressive ideas. the honeymoon could easily change by mid-terms, if the former clintonists and bushists are given too much power and leeway. liberals will give him a chance , but, they wont follow like sheep. we are not republicans and moderate do-nothings. we demand action and real change.

john   December 26th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

It tells us that you should leave the guy alone.

God Help Us   December 26th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

The golf swing tells us he wasn't born in America. He was born in Kenya.

Noah   December 26th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

It is sickening how ga-ga the press still is over Obama. The funny thing is that the press's reputation was damaged irreparably during the election and they still make no attempt to gain their credibility back. They prefer to write glowing reports on the Messiah's golf swing or his bathing suit. Perhaps we would have been just as well suited to have elected Will Smith and his wife Jada.

NIKI   December 26th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

I JUST CAN'T STOP WATCHING THIS MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IS THAT JUST ME OR EVERYONE ELSE??

Boston Irish   December 26th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Oh, please, WHAT DOES IT MATTER???? Why would anyone care about this except Obama if he's trying to improve his swing?

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