Short game pain for struggling Obama

Report by Anand Datla

December 26, 2014: Barack Obama spent his Christmas in Hawaii, but the island greens offered no succour to the struggling President. Despite a grand vision for America, Obama has been fighting a losing battle to impose his will and leave a mark on the history of his nation. The situation was not very different on the golf course, where Obama seemed to fight in vain to sink his putt. On vacation on the island of Oahu, Obama was mixing golf with diplomacy as he teed off with the Malaysian premier Najib Razak.

Playing at the Marine Corps base on the island, the two leaders were seen having a good time together. On the course though neither leader seemed particularly at ease, as they fought in vain to master the pins. Obama has often played golf on his annual vacation, inviting a world leader to play with him for the second year running. Last year, Obama invited the New Zealand Prime Minister John Key for a round of golf.

The media were invited briefly during the two leaders time on the course, but the sights of the two men struggling to sink the putt meant that they moved on from the hole without making the best impression.

“Merry Christmas,” greeted the President, as he acknowledged the media. “Be careful about those fruity drinks,” he said. “You never know — they might have a little kick to them.”

It is understood that the two politicians discussed some pressing matters even as they dealt with their unresolved golfing issues. “The two leaders took the opportunity to discuss the growing and warming relationship between the United States and Malaysia,” read a statement issued by the White House.

With the presidency in a limbo, these are not the best of times for a President who is turning increasingly toothless. Fortunately though, Obama has a two day vacation on the island and it is likely that he will use much of it working on his short game.