PALM CITY, Fla. -- President Barack Obama on Sunday displayed the freedom that comes with not having another election ahead of him, golfing with Tiger Woods in an enclave of privilege along Florida's Atlantic coast.
Since his re-election in November, Obama has been talking about the perils facing America's middle class. On Friday he visited a public high school in Chicago, where he spoke in personal terms about the need to reduce gun violence and create jobs in troubled urban areas.The contrast to where he arrived only hours later -- and where he will remain through the federal holiday today -- could not be more stark. He disappeared late Friday behind the gates of the Floridian, a lush golf and residential compound off limits to the public.And by adding Woods, the greatest player of his generation, Obama made clear that he'll live with criticism over the gap between the harsh realities he is seeking to address in public life and the glamour of his private pursuits.The Floridian is owned by Houston businessman and Obama donor Jim Crane, a near-scratch golfer who also owns the Houston Astros baseball team.Crane bought the Floridian property, including a course originally designed by legendary South African golfer Gary Player, in 2010. The course has been reconfigured by noted architect Tom Fazio. The grounds include eight cottages, one of which Obama used.Crane played with Obama on Saturday and joined the group that included Woods on Sunday. So did Ron Kirk, Obama's departing U.S. trade representative and a former Dallas mayor.Butch Harmon, Woods's former swing coach, accompanied the president and his group Saturday and offered a few tips along the way.On Sunday, though, Obama got the real thing with Woods, who lives not far from here on a $54 million estate in Jupiter Island, Fla.A writer for Golf World magazine reported that Obama and Woods were so enjoying their round that they decided to play 27 holes instead of 18.A photo of Obama on the course with someone as famous as Woods is the sort of moment the traveling pool of about a dozen journalists is allowed to witness. But the White House press corps has had no access to Obama on this outing.First lady Michelle Obama and the couple's daughters are skiing in Aspen, Colo.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
