The Loop

Obama welcomes members of Presidents Cup teams to White House, gets tip from Phil Mickelson

June 24, 2014

Three of the most avid golfers in politics — President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House John Boehner — welcomed members of last fall's Presidents Cup teams at the White House on Tuesday evening.

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"I am joined by two of my favorite golf partners, the Vice President, Joe Biden, and the Speaker of the House, John Boehner," Obama said. "In each instance, they have to give me strokes."

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Obama also thanked Phil Mickelson for providing him a tip on bunker play. "I'm pretty sure I can shave at least two or three strokes if I can just get out of the darn sand," he said.

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Every member of the U.S. team, including Mickelson and Tiger Woods, were in attendance, as were several members of the International team. Mickelson and his family flew in just for the occasion. Woods is returning to competitive golf on Thursday in the first round of the Quicken Loans National at nearby Congressional Country Club.

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"We are extraordinarily proud of our Presidents Cup team," Obama said. "I hope the World Cup team takes a page out of their play book when they play Germany on Thursday."

(Getty Images photos)