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Obama enjoys Bush's backing... when it comes to golf

When it comes to letting his hair down the most powerful man in the world, US President Barack Obama, knows how to get it right.

The President is often critised for his activities but it was surprising to see former President George W Bush as his supporter.

Bush has come to the defense of his successor, Obama, where golf is concerned -- saying it's good for any commander in chief to hit the links while running the country.

Obama enjoys Bush's backing... when it comes to golf

Bush, in an interview with Golf Channel host Jimmy Roberts set to air on Tuesday, said that he disagrees with critics who say that Obama plays too much golf.

Obama enjoys Bush's backing... when it comes to golf

"I see our President criticized for playing golf; I don't (criticize him)," Bush said in an excerpt of the interview released by the Golf Channel on Monday evening. "I think he ought to play golf."

Obama enjoys Bush's backing... when it comes to golf

Asked by Roberts why he believed that Obama should hit the golf course, Bush responded:

"Because I know what it's like to be in the bubble and I know the pressures of the job and to be able to get outside and play golf with some of your pals is important for the president. It gives you an outlet."

Bush gave up playing golf more than two years into his first term in office while American troops were fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying it would give a wrong impression of the commander in chief.

Obama enjoys Bush's backing... when it comes to golf

Obama is a man of many colours and sports play an important part. There is never a dull moment when he is around. He is an avid basketball fan and finds out time to play the sport too.

Obama enjoys Bush's backing... when it comes to golf

Obama shoots clay targets at the range at Camp David.