Tiger Woods has praised President Obama’s golf game declaring he’s got ‘an amazing touch’ and can ‘certainly chip and putt’ ahead of return to competition at this week’s WGC – Accenture Match-Play Championship.

Woods teamed with Obama last Sunday at the Floridian Club at Palm City in Florida.

It is the second time in his career the 14-time Major winning Woods has played alongside a US President after having previously competed alongside President Bill Clinton.

Tiger Woods facing fellow American Charles Howell 111 in the opening round of the WGC – Accenture Match-Play Championship. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

When asked about last Sunday’s round and if Obama played well, Woods responded: ” He hit a few (good shots).

“He’s a pretty good athlete, and we all know he played a lot of hoops.  He’s a lefty, but to see him out there hitting shots‑‑ he hit it well, and we didn’t play under the easiest conditions.

“It was blowing harder than this and it was a little bit cooler than this.  So we played under some tough conditions, and as I said, he hit the ball well.

“But he’s got amazing touch.  He can certainly chip and putt.  If he ever spent‑‑ after these four years, spent more time playing the game of golf, I’m sure he could get to where he’s a pretty good stick.”

Woods has won the WGC – Accenture Match-Play Championship on three occasions and faces fellow American Charles Howell 111 in the opening round of the $US 8.75m event in Marana, Arizona.

“Well, the whole idea is just to beat one guy at a time, so that’s the thing,” said Woods.

“There are times where I’ve played well in matches and I’ve lost, and other times where I’ve played poorly and advanced.  It’s potluck in these 18‑hole sprints like this.

“As I said, it’s imperative to get off to a quick start and get up on your opponent early.  It’s just so hard to come back in 18‑hole matches, and hopefully I can do that conceivably for all six. “