The US Solheim Cup team had a special visit from an ex-President. Barack Obama visited the current U.S. Solheim Cup team at the Robert Trent Jones Country Club. Obama posed for a picture with the team, standing between Rose Zhang and Lilia Vu. 

While the 63-year-old didn’t post anything on his social media handles, the LPGA Tour shared the picture on their Instagram account. “President @barackobama [Barack Obama] surprised the @solheimcupusa [Solheim Cup USA] team at dinner to wish them good luck at @thesolheimcup [Solheim Cup] this week! 🇺🇸👏”

It should be noted that the former POTUS is a member of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, where the Solheim Cup will be hosted. Reportedly, he joined the private course in Virginia, a 45-minute drive from Washington, sometime in 2017.

While Trump is known for frequently teeing up at one of the many courses he owns, Obama, although not as frequent, teed up occasionally. But unlike Trump’s visits to LIV Golf events and collaborations with Bryson DeChambeau, Obama’s involvement with professional golf has been rather limited to the Solheim Cup and Presidents Cup. His favorite course was Andrews Air Force Base, where a CNN report estimated he played more than one-third of his 300 rounds of golf.

Nevertheless, Barack Obama took membership at the par-72 layout on the shores of Lake Manassas. Moreover, the former POTUS has a history of hosting Solheim Cup teams. On top of that, he shares a special connection with a member of the current squad. Yet, Obama’s visit to the Solheim Cup team caused a rift among patriotic fans. 

Fans are divided on Barack Obama’s Virginia trip

Barack Obama was the last president to have the opportunity to host a winning Solheim Cup team. The former POTUS hosted the 2015 U.S. team after their 14½ to 13½ triumph in Germany. That was the last time a visiting U.S. team won the Solheim Cup. Before that, the 63-year-old also hosted the 2009 squad.

“Must be nice being Obama,” one user commented. They might not be wrong, as Obama’s picture showing the ‘Shaka Sign’ (hang loose) to Michelle Wie West was widely circulated in 2009. They both share a Hawaiian connection

Obama also asked for tips to get his daughters into the game during the 20 minutes he spent with the LPGA pros. Kristy McPherson, at that time, said, “He made us feel like he was very proud of us.”

So far, none of this year’s team has spoken about the visit. But Obama was also seen shaking hands with Allisen Corpuz, a fellow Punahou School alum. Last year, Barack Obama congratulated Corpuz on her U.S. Women’s Open victory and offered a round of golf when they met. One user wrote, “This is awesome!” 

Nevertheless, the visit from Obama surprised many. The UCLA Women’s Golf team commented with an emoji (😮) showing astonishment at the picture. Notably, a former UCLA member, Alison Lee, is on the squad. “Everybody loves the USA team!” another fan commented.

Not everyone shared the same enthusiasm, however. Many felt this needlessly politicized the tournament amid an already tense scenario. “Should’ve left the politics out of it,” one user suggested. 

Others were not happy with Obama being present at the venue. They felt a squad picture should’ve consisted only of the members. One of them vented their frustration: “Thanks LPGA for ruining a good picture!”

The Solheim Cup will tee off this Friday (September 13). Team USA is looking to end its seven-year title drought. Last year, although they came close, their hopes were dashed at Finca Cortesin. Will Obama prove to be a good omen? We have to wait until Sunday for that answer.