President Obama and Tiger Woods enjoyed a round of golf in Palm Beach, Florida in February this year. The press were left disappointed though, as it was a strictly private affair.
Living Golf is CNN's monthly golf program. Click here for showtimes, videos and features.
(CNN) -- Butch Harmon could hardly believe what he was seeing.
Two of the most recognizable faces on the planet were casually shooting the breeze as they swept down the fairway in Florida.
While the White House press pack fumed outside the gates, President Obama enjoyed a leisurely 18 holes with the world's number one golfer Tiger Woods.
If ever there was a powerhouse pairing, this was it.
"It was really amazing," renowned golf coach Harmon told CNN's Living Golf show about that momentous February day when he had a greenside view.
A golf coaching dynasty
Justin Rose looks skyward apparently in recognition of his deceased father after putting on the 18th hole to win the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on June 16, in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
U.S. Open: The best photos
The famous wicker basket flagsticks will be on full view again at the 2013 U.S. Open on the East Course at Merion.
The Magic of Merion
"If you'd have told me 20 years ago that a black man would be the President of the United States I would have said you're crazy.
Read: Amen Corner: God's Golfers
"And if you'd have told me 20 years ago that a black golfer was going to be the greatest golfer that ever walked the planet I'd say you're crazy, and there they go."
Harmon is already more than familiar with Woods, having played an influential role in his formative years, sculpting the swing that would capture eight major championships by the age of 26.
He has also coached other stellar names in the world of golf, such as fellow American Phil Mickelson and South African Ernie Els -- both with four majors to their name -- as well as Australians Greg Norman and Adam Scott, the current Masters champion.
But never before in his illustrious career had he been afforded the chance to offer a few tips to the leader of the free world -- himself a golf fanatic.
The U.S. President spent hours in a teaching studio at The Floridian resort, alongside Butch's son Claude -- also a coach to some of the game's leading lights -- as they fine-tuned a swing that by Harmon's evaluation needed some work.
"President Obama loves golf," he explained. "He's not very good, he's probably an 18 or 20 handicap, plays left-handed, didn't hit the ball very far with a weak fade but we got him where he could draw and hit about 250, 260.
Read: Golf's 'wicker men' challenge
"When he gets out of office in another three years and he has a chance to play, he could probably get down to a 10 or 12 handicap -- but he loves to play and he knows so much about everything. He loved the place. He said 'Man, I'm coming back here.'
"We'd love to (have kept) the film of the lesson we gave him but as soon as he walked out the secret service took everything and they had to watch us delete it all from the computers.
The toughest of five courses at Bethpage State Park on Long Island, Bethpage Black joined the U.S. Open roster in 2002 after the USGA decided to bring its flagship tournament to a public venue. Green fee: $130 weekdays, $150 weekends.
U.S. Open courses you can play
Recreating golf's most iconic photograph
Trevino: Merion win changed me
"In this day and age with the multimedia stuff all over the world, he didn't want it to show up on YouTube.
"I said to this one secret service guy, 'I actually went on YouTube to look at the president's swing and it was terrible, you actually might want some of these shots because they're better than the ones you have. These look pretty good!' "
The President and a clutch of his closest friends bunkered down at The Floridian for a weekend's vacation -- his erstwhile secret service detail, naturally, in tow -- on the invitation of the resort's owner, Jim Crane.
Crane, owner of the Houston Astros baseball team, and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk joined Obama for one of his two rounds on the Sunday, and making up the numbers just happened to be a 14-time major winner.
Not that Woods is a stranger to the President. The 37-year-old delivered a speech at Obama's inauguration back in 2009, though he has always tried to stay away from politics throughout his career.
Read: Tiger tops highest-paid list
But whether Woods is a Democrat, Republican, or apolitical, the invitation to play with the President is not one to be ignored, according to Harmon.
"In all honesty it doesn't matter what your politics are, if you get the chance to play golf with the President -- which is the highest honor in our country -- whether you voted for him or not or agree with the politics, it's a great honor.
"When the President drove up and he instantly went right over and said, 'Tiger it was great to see how well you played at Torrey Pines when you won the (Farmers Insurance Open) tournament.'
"He was into it, he wanted to play with Tiger, he was asking about his swing. It was great, it was fun to watch, and it was fun to see it and fun to be part of it."
The Harmons have a rich history of rubbing shoulders with Washington power brokers.
Historic club to host U.S. Open
Tour stars on God and golf
Tiger Woods regains the No. 1 spot in world golf rankings with a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Monday, March 25. Here, he plays a shot at the tournament in Orlando on Sunday, March 24. Check out what Woods has been up to since the last time he was the top-ranked golfer nearly 2½ years ago:
Photos: Tiger Woods -- from highs to lows
Claude Snr. was the last club professional to win a major championship when he secured the Masters title in 1948.
His four sons Butch, Craig, Bill, and Dick all became golf professionals and had a keen eye for teaching, just like their father.
And from a young age they knew that Claude's golfing prowess opened some pretty special doors.
Read: 'Fried chicken' jibe 'hurts' Woods
"My father played with so many presidents himself," Harmon explained. "He played with Eisenhower and he played with Ford, Nixon, and I got to play with a lot of them too when I was younger.
"I think if my father was still alive he'd be very proud of all of us. He'd be proud of the four sons, he'd be proud of his grandson because in reality we're just carrying on what he taught us and what he did and we're a very proud family.
"He had the greatest eye I think of anyone that's ever taught and he saw things that other people didn't see and quickly, he knew how to fix them, he'd watch you hit five or six balls and he'd know exactly what you were doing wrong."
It was that wisdom passed down from father to son that led Harmon to believe that the 13-year-old kid presented to him in 1993 could go on to be one of the greatest players the game had ever seen.
Woods' father Earl had noted the work Harmon had done with Greg Norman and asked if he could bring his son over to hit some balls. The session was filmed by Butch's young son Claude.
"You've seen the footage, he's a tall skinny kid in tennis shoes hitting balls and you just saw this natural talent that this kid had," Butch said.
"I asked him so many different kinds of questions about how do you do this? Why do you do that? He didn't know it at the time but I was giving him an examination, trying to find out really what ticked in his head, what he knew about golf.
"The kid was special, he was just a special person you could see it. It was no surprise to me that he turned out to be who he was."
Loading weather data ...
© 2013 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Woods spoke at "We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at The Lincoln Memorial" in January 2009 for the president-elect.
In May 2013, the president took on a group of U.S. Senators, also at the Andrews Air Force Base.
Butch Harmon walks the course with Woods at the British Open in 2002. Harmon turned professional in 1965 and won one event on the PGA Tour before becoming a coach, helping Tiger to the first eight of his 14 major wins.
Harmon and his son Claude III working with Adam Scott in 2009. Four years later the Australian won his first major title at the Masters. The Harmons have also helped President Obama refine his swing.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th president of the United States, was one of a number of commander in chiefs to tee up with Claude Harmon Snr.
Former U.S. President Gerald Ford, seen here with Jack Nicklaus, was the first Honorary Chairman of the Presidents Cup in 1994. He also has history with the Harmon family, having played with Claude Snr.
William Taft was the the first president to openly admit to his love of golf, which had previously been depicted as a sport for the rich.
George W. Bush was a common face on the golf course, usually with media in tow.
Phil Mickelson celebrates with caddie Jim Mackay after making a shot for eagle on the 10th hole par 4 during the final round on June 16.
Tiger Woods hits from the 5th tee during the fourth round on June 16.
Charl Schwartzel and Steve Stricker examine the green during the final round.
Billy Horschel hits his second shot on the 15th hole on June 16.
Jason Day reacts to his missed putt for birdie on the 15th hole on June 16.
Luke Donald climbs up a bank after hitting out of a water hazard at the 4th hole on June 16.
Justin Rose hits an approach shot on the fourth hole on June 16.
Ian Poulter hits his third shot on the 10th hole during the final round on June 16.
Rory McIlroy hits his second shot on the second hole.
Hideki Matsuyama of Japan talks with caddie Daisuke Shindo on the first hole on June 16.
The names of Phil Mickelson of the United States, Hunter Mahan of the United States, Steve Stricker of the United States and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa are seen on a leaderboard during the final round on June 16.
A gallery of fans follows Tiger Woods and Matt Bettencourt of the United States near the second hole during the final round on June 16.
Phil Mickelson reacts on the 18th green during round three of the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on Saturday, June 15, in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
Hunter Mahan hits his second shot on the 14th hole.
A groundhog is seen along the sixth fairway on June 15.
Tiger Woods of the United States putts on the ninth green on June 15.
Justin Rose plans the next shot near the 17th green on June 15.
Steve Stricker drives from the fifth tee on June 15.
Charley Hoffman dries his feet after chipping to the fourth green from a creek during the third round on June 15.
John Senden of Australia putts on the ninth hole on June 15.
Luke Donald hits a shot from a bunker on the 17th hole during round three on June 15.
Cheng-Tsung Pan of Chinese Taipei hits his second shot on the 16th hole during a continuation of round two on June 15.
A caddie rakes a bunker at the 10th hole on June 15.
Sergio Garcia of Spain places a ball on the 17th green on June 15.
Ian Poulter of England waits to putt on the 18th green on June 15.
Phil Mickelson of the United States hits his second shot on the 10th hole during round two of the 113th U.S. Open on Friday, June 14.
Mickelson smiles as he walks off the 11th tee during round two on June 14.
Justin Rose of England lines up a putt on the second green during round two on June 14.
Steve Stricker of the United States hits his second shot on hole two on June 14.
Tiger Woods of the United States hits a chip shot on the eighth hole during round two.
Woods misses a putt for birdie on the ninth hole on June 14.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Woods walk up the 10th hole during round two on June 14.
Bubba Watson of the United States hits his tee shot on the second hole during round two on June 14.
Billy Horschel of the United States waits on the 16th tee with caddie Micah Fugitt during round two on June 14.
Mathew Goggin of Australia hits his second shot on the first hole during a continuation of the first round on June 14. Rain delayed the round on June 13.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits from a bunker on the 15th hole on June 14.
Luke Donald of England walks with caddie John McLaren on the 17th hole on June 14.
Tiger Woods of the United States putts on the 14th hole on June 14.
Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain hits his second shot on the 17th hole on June 14.
England's Ian Poulter tees off at the second hole during the first round on Thursday, June 13.
Roger Tambellini of the United States hits his second shot from a bunker on the first hole on June 13.
Bill Haas of the United States ponders a putt on the 10th hole on June 13.
Ryan Yip of Canada hits his second shot out of a bunker on the 10th hole on June 13.
On the fourth hole, Aaron Baddeley of Australia tees off on June 13.
Lucas Glover of the United States tees off on the 11th hole on June 13.
The gallery takes in the U.S. Open from the 17th hole at Merion Golf Club on June 13.
Steve Stricker of the United States tees off on the 13th hole on June 13.
Rain begins to fall and play is suspended on June 13.
A man looks out over the 18th hole after play was suspended during a storm on June 13.
People traverse the 18th fairway during a weather delay on June 13.
Jason Day of Australia, Rickie Fowler of the United States and Matteo Manassero of Italy play on the 17th green on June 13.
Scott Stallings of the U.S. shoots from a bunker on the 15th hole on June 13.
On the 17th hole, Padraig Harrington of Ireland makes his second shot on June 13.
Cheng-Tsung Pan of Taiwan tees off on the 11th hole during on June 13.
Dustin Johnson of the U.S. tees off on the 18th hole on June 13.
Phil Mickelson of the U.S. watches his shot from the tee of the second hole on June 13.
The history of golf at the Merion club dates back to 1896, with the East Course being completed in 1912.
Merion is regarded as one of the most picturesque courses in world golf, and this sunset view from the 10th tee takes in the ninth green with the fourth green in the background.
Merion's trophy cabinet reflects its staging of 18 USGA events and a host of important tournaments.
Ben Hogan plays his famous one-iron approach to the final green in the 1950 U.S. Open at Merion. It is acknowledged as one of the greatest shots in golfing history and he went on to win the tournament in a playoff.
The U.S. Open trophy is paraded next to the plaque on the 18th hole which marks the point from which Hogan played his famous shot.
The club used by Hogan is on public display in the USGA museum, having been stolen but then found by a collector.
A plaque in the clubhouse is dedicated to the course's designer, Scotsman Hugh Wilson, who was a member at Merion.
A commemorative stone on the par-four 12th on the East Course marks the hole on which the great Bobby Jones completed golf's first "grand slam" in 1930 by winning the final of the U.S. Amateur.
Players will take aim at the wicker basket targets rather than the conventional flags, making it harder to judge the wind direction.
The wicker basket flagsticks are gathered up each night by a special machine before being put out the next morning.
Leading PGA Tour professional Rickie Fowler (left) was among the victorious American Walker Cup team which beat Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the last major event to be staged at Merion in 2009.
The legendary Lee Trevino won the U.S. Open at Merion in 1971 after beating Jack Nicklaus in a playoff. He has fond memories of the unique course.
The changing room at Merion has a old-fashioned qualities, with massive metal lockers as the main feature.
Players will tee off at the U.S. Open right in front of the dining patio in the clubhouse.
When the original Merion club was founded in 1865, it was used for the traditional British sport of cricket.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and opened for play in 2007, this 7,165-yard, par 72 stunner on the shores of Puget Sound hosted the 2010 U.S. Amateur. It will host its first U.S. Open in 2015. Green fee: $219.
Erin Hills hosted the U.S. Amateur in 2011 and will host the U.S. Open in 2017. The 7,823-yard, par 72 course is a walking-only course, with neither motorized nor pull carts allowed. Green fees: $200.
Jack Nicklaus said: "If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play it at Pebble Beach. It's possibly the best in the world." Green fees: $495.
Pinehurst No. 2 hosted a PGA Championship in 1936, a Ryder Cup in 1951 and its second U.S. Open in 2005. Next year, it will become the first venue to host a U.S. Open and a U.S. Women's Open in subsequent weeks. Stay-and-play packages from $488.
Tiger Woods won the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines after hobbling his way around the course with a knee injury, then dispatching Rocco Mediate on the first sudden-death playoff hole. Green fee: $183.
Woods appears dejected after losing to Lee Westwood and Luke Donald in the 2010 Ryder Cup competition in Wales in October 2010. That month, he lost his No. 1 ranking to Westwood, a position he had held for 281 consecutive weeks. He had taken a break from golf earlier that year after reports of marital infidelities emerged in late 2009.
Woods misses a putt at the Frys.com Open in October 2011. That month, he dropped out of golf's Top 50 players list for the first time in almost 15 years. Woods reportedly lost millions in endorsements after sponsors ended their ties with him in the wake of a sex scandal.
Woods misses the U.S. Open in July 2011, citing knee and Achilles tendon injuries. Here, he plays in the tournament in 2008.
Woods plays at the 2011 Emirates Australian Open in Sydney in November 2011. That year, he remained the highest-paid American athlete on Sports Illustrated's "Fortunate 50" list.
Woods drops his caddy of 12 years, Steve Williams, in July 2011. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it's time for a change," Woods said. Here, the two share a laugh during a practice round two months before Williams was let go.
After a nearly three-month break, Woods returns to golf at the Bridgestone Invitational in August 2011.
Woods hits out of the bunker on the ninth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship in August 2011. He failed to make the cut at the PGA championship for the first time in his career.
Woods plays his tee shot on the 18th hole at the Presidents Cup in Melbourne, Australia, in November 2011. The previous month, Woods landed Rolex as a sponsor despite not having won a major tournament in nearly two years. "Rolex is convinced that Tiger Woods still has a long career ahead of him," the high-end watchmaker said.
Woods lines up his putt at the Honda Classic at PGA National in March 2012. He shot a 62, his lowest final round as a professional, at the Honda Classic, but he tied for second in the tournament.
Woods earns his first win since November 2009 at the Chevron World Challenge, a non-PGA tour event, in December 2011.
Woods signs autographs at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March 2012. His win there marked his first PGA tour victory since September 2009.
Woods drops the ball on the 15th fairway during the final round of the AT&T National in July 2012. He overtook Jack Nicklaus for second place on the all-time PGA Tour list with his victory at the AT&T National.
Woods hits his tee shot on the 12th hole during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in January 2013. He lost his title the previous year as the world's top-paid athlete, dropping to third place on Sports Illustrated's "Fortunate 50" list.
Woods hits the ball on the 18th hole during the second round of the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston. He became the first PGA Tour participant to earn $100 million when he finished third and won more than $500,000 at the Deutsche Bank Championship.
Woods and champion skier Lindsey Vonn announced they were dating on Facebook in March 2013. Vonn recently divorced Thomas Vonn, who was also her coach, and Woods split up with his wife, Elin Nordegren, in 2010.
Woods tosses his ball to his caddie at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in January 2013. He started the new year in fine form by winning his 75th PGA Tour title in the Farmers Insurance Open.
|