How well can you prepare for a round of golf with Tiger Woods if you’re the minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives? Not that well, to hear Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, tell it.
Boehner played in Wednesday’s AT&T National Pro-Am with Woods and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. Normally one of Congress’s top talents on the links, Boehner struggled a bit, even from an easier set of tees than Woods and Romo played. “I played yesterday in L.A.,” Boehner told us from the 6th tee — his only round this week in preparation. “Too much to do.”
He said after “two years of back problems and sciatic nerve problems,” he’s back down to a 9 handicap, though he’d like to get closer to a 5. “I’m shaking the rust off, but I’ve got a ways to go,” said Boehner, who sported seersucker shorts, and snuck a few cigarettes on his way around Congressional (hear that, Mr. President?). Another fun Boehner fact: he plays righty, but putts lefty.
The minority leader is well connected in the golf world. He’s friends with PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, and has spent time with Woods in the past.
Some highlights — and lowlights — from their four-and-a-half-hour round together:
No. 2: Tiger skulls a sand shot over the green and into the gallery. He tips his hat and waves to the crowd.
No. 4: Woods, Romo and Boehner stop to stuff care packages and sign notes to the troops at the USO tent.
No. 5: Boehner’s wayward drive comes within inches of an unsuspecting woman’s head in the gallery.
No. 6: Woods’ group begins waiting for a slow group ahead of them, which just happens to be led by his old rival, Vijay Singh.
No. 7: Tiger gets a guest caddie, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Michael Barrett, who recuperated from an IED attack in Iraq for more than a year, only to reenlist.
No. 14— Woods concedes a short putt to Romo, who, it should be noted, went shot for shot with Tiger on several holes. Perhaps a bit of professional courtesy among athletes?
No. 15: Boehner stubs a chip shot, then smacks his next one 40 feet past the hole. “It’s good, pick it up,” Woods jokes.
No. 16: Boehner buries a 20-foot putt for par. Glory!
Notably absent from the course during the tournament: Romo’s main squeeze, Jessica Simpson. She had to warm up her pipes to sing the National Anthem on the first tee later that morning.
The other marquee group of the day followed Woods’ group: Redkins Antwaan Randle-El and Jason Campbell, and Caps Coach Bruce Boudreau, playing with 2003 Masters champ Mike Weir.
More photos below:
Woods and Romo make their way off a tee box.
Tiger’s ball attracts quite a crowd.
A sponsor’s vehicle bears an ominous sign.
Tony and Tiger prepare USO care packages. (Photos: Jeff Dufour)
