The Loop

How more golf in D.C. can improve the relationship between Republicans and Democrats

April 21, 2015

Every time President Obama picks up a golf club, someone has a comment about how he's wasting time he should be spending focused on his day job. This obviously upsets all of us here at Golf Digest, because we think it's great our Commander-in-Chief hits the links. No one can work 24/7. A little time on the course is a smart way for President Obama to clear his head.

Of course, the President isn't the only public official in Washington who plays golf ... or could benefit from playing the sport. According to a story from NPR, golf has historically been a good way for public officials of different parties to find a little common ground.

NPR's story makes it clear the golf course isn't necessarily where members of Congress are brokering the final parts of any specific legislation. Where the value in regular golf outings in D.C. can be found in that they create a relaxed place for politicians to work on fostering relationships with rivals from across the aisle.

"It's still one of the best ways to communicate with one another and solve a problem - on the golf course," Rep. Don Young, a Republican from Alaska, says in the story.

The current issue, however, is that the politicians are playing less golf together, creating a greater divide between the parties. It seems like one big step to a healthier capital is for everyone to follow the President's lead, and play a little more golf.