Obama: The nation's private golfer-in-chief

Unlike President Bill Clinton, who would have his press secretary announce his best scores, the White House reveals only when and with whom Mr. Obama plays, and officials there declined to comment for this article. The news media is only occasionally allowed to see him with a club in his hands. During one of the president’s rounds on his vacation in Hawaii over the past two weeks, photographers were invited to watch as Mr. Obama and the prime minister of Malaysia three-putted the 18th green.

Few golfers who have played with Mr. Obama have spoken publicly about his game, but interviews with three people who have played with him, hints he has dropped, and videos of his left-handed swing analyzed by golf professionals begin to provide a portrait of his demeanor and skill.

“He needles you in the best sense of the word,” said one of the three golfers who have played with him, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he did not want to be identified as criticizing the president, and because he hoped to be asked to play with him again. “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.”