HONOLULU — Gary Woodland had a quick trip with spouse Gabby on the Massive Island earlier than coming over to Oahu for the Sony Open. By no means was a 45-minute flight extra memorable.
They have been within the second row on the Hawaiian Airways flight. The ultimate passengers to board have been within the first row — former President Barrack Obama, his spouse and two daughters.
“That one stunned me,” Woodland stated. “I used to be stunned he was on a business flight.”
Woodland thought it was unusual once they boarded the flight and have been advised their overhead baggage wanted to be saved towards the again of the aircraft, not in top quality. Earlier than lengthy, he stated 5 or 6 federal brokers boarded the aircraft.
“I knew President Obama was enjoying golf on the similar place I used to be, so I knew he was on the town,” Woodland stated. “Then I noticed the Secret Service and I had an inkling. Once they advised us to place our baggage within the again, I had by no means seen that earlier than in top quality.”
Woodland stated the flight was full, however the Obama household was the final to board and “I don’t even assume folks knew he was on the aircraft.”
“It was a cool expertise,” Woodland stated. “There was no speaking. I might have cherished to have talked to him, however I didn’t wish to trouble him, both. Simply to see the entire operation — how they did it, after we landed, 5 or 6 extra Secret Service — it was cool.”
Obama loves golf and sports activities. Unclear is whether or not the previous president acknowledged the 2019 U.S. Open champion at Pebble Seaside. Woodland stated he and his spouse have been requested to deplane first.
“I stated, ‘Thanks on your service’ after I received off the aircraft,” Woodland stated. “I don’t know if he acknowledged me or not. I do know individuals who know him and so they say he’s a large sports activities nut and a golf fan. He gave me a thumbs-up after I received off the aircraft.”
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