Barack Obama 'tees off' Christmas vacation

The Obamas are well-known for their active interest in sports. When, however, US President Barack Obama came out for a round of golf on Monday, it was not about fitness or winning, but having a jolly good time.

Obama is currently enjoying a three-day Christmas vacation away from Washington's cold weather - in sunny Hawaii. Local papers there, however, have hardly had a break as reports flow out on each and every move made by the United States' President. "Between holes, the President greeted some residents of the Blue Stone gated community who were clamoring for his attention. Residents and tourists were excited to see him," reported Hawaiinewsnow.com. (Also see: Pics - Obama tees off in Hawaii | Spreading Christmas cheer, the cheerleaders' way)

The town of Kailua has been abuzz since Obama landed there with locals and tourists alike, jostling to get a good view of him. Some were even in audible distance, screaming out their festive wishes. "I cried really hard because I was so excited. I've never seen anyone famous before," Maya Smith, a tourist, was quoted as saying.

"Someone said Obama was on the golf course so we yelled hi," said Taylor Takeda, another tourist. Interestingly, Obama was gracious enough to respond to some of the greetings. "Merry Christmas guys," he reportedly said to a group enthusiastic people around the course.

Security around the golf course, it is learnt, has been extremely tight but not overboard and bothersome to members. Secret Service agents screened people with metal detectors and checked them four times before letting them in. It has apparently been well-worth it as people managed to click several snaps of Obama on their phones and digital cameras.

Obama is in Hawaii with his family and local reports say that apart from golf, he has been enjoying his time on the beach and has also been hiking on popular trails.