Barak Obama is supporting Team USA at the Solheim Cup: What is the former president’s handicap?

A member of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club himself, former US President, Barack Obama, was an unexpected guest at Team USA’s pre-Solheim Cup dinner on Monday in a move that we have to imagine was intended to inspire America’s best as they attempt to retake the title from Team Europe.

Barack Obama was in the house

With the 2024 Solheim Cup now underway, the pressure is on for the ladies of the United States as they look to rebound from their 2023 loss. While the task will undoubtedly be difficult for Stacey Lewis and Co. out on the course in Gainesville, Virginia, they will be playing with a little extra motivation after a rather notable visit. Indeed, the 44th POTUS, Barack Obama, a known golf fan and player himself was on hand to wish the team well on Monday as they held their final dinner ahead of the tournament.

Obama met and spoke with all members of Team USA at length before the entire roster went on to receive a tour of the Pentagon and meet a selection of three and four-star Generals that evening. It’s worth noting that Obama has been a member of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club - the location of this week’s event - since 2017, which also happens to be the last time the Americans tasted victory. Speaking with the Golf Channel, Lewis spoke about the impact that the former President’s visit had on the team, explaining that Obama even offered some tips to the team before emphasizing the importance of working together.

“We talked a little bit about the golf course because he plays here all the time, so he talked to us a little bit about the golf course. But, again, just what it means to represent your country...He had done his homework and I think, hopefully, we’re going to see him later this week - we’ll find out. But, as soon as this was in the calendar for RTJ, he wanted to find a way to be a part of it.” This is of course not the first time that Obama has shared time with Team USA. Fans may recall that back in 2010, it was Beth Daniel and her team who had the opportunity to be hosted at the White House by the nation’s first African American President after their 2009 victory. Then, in 2015, it was a Julie Inkster-led side that had the honor once again.

It would be fair to say that the occasions have been a pleasure for Obama rather than an obligation as he is not just a fan of the game but a player himself. Known to have an honest handicap of 13 the former President is decent on the course. “I think my irons are good, my drive is straight but unimpressive in length, and my putting’s decent, chipping is okay...My sand game is terrible,” he shared back in 2016. If you’re wondering how that ranks among former Presidents, Obama ranks third after current President Joe Biden who sits on 6.7 which places him a little behind a man who is known to be a serious fan of golf and has a 2.8 handicap to show it, Donald J. Trump.