With November elections already looming large, the Presidential candidates are bringing out their big guns. Barack Obama and John McCain are vying for votes in key swing states and speculation is running wild. Campaigning is no doubt an arduous process and down time is sure to be in short supply. Given these facts, the two candidates have to give careful consideration to their every move, including where they spend their short hours of recreation. Perhaps in this case, the term “swing states” could have a double meaning. Here are some of our thoughts on where Mr. Obama should be practicing his golf swing.

Pennsylvania is one state that is sure to see some fierce competition over the next few months. Hillary Clinton won this state by just over 9% in the Democratic Primary, and John McCain practically had this state around his little finger with almost 73% of the Republican vote. Clearly, Obama has some work to do here, so why not spend some quality time golfing Pennsylvania at the Latrobe Country Club rubbing shoulders with the likes of legend Arnold Palmer? Of course, it may be in his better interest to stay away from those private, exclusive golf courses and court the working-class vote at a public course in the state. Take the popular Golf Course at Glen Mills, for example. Given its numerous accolades over the years, this is a great place for Barack Obama to score some additional votes.

Courting the independent vote in Western swing states like Colorado and Nevada will also be a focus of both campaigns. Conveniently enough, both of these states are ripe with fantastic golf courses for a morning off while on the campaign trail. Summer golf in Colorado is sure to be invigorating, especially with that pure mountain air that sends the ball soaring like numbers in a poll. Some golf at a premiere spot such as Castle Rock, Colorado might be just the thing to help invigorate a Presidential campaign during the warm summer months.

As the election draws nearer, Obama may want to schedule in some desert golf in Nevada. Las Vegas alone has enough golf courses to ease the inevitable frustrations of attack ads for weeks on end. A nice round of golf at Reflection Bay Golf Club or TPC Las Vegas will most definitely take one’s mind off of the latest slew of political posturing. And it will have the added effect of reassuring the local Nevadans of the commitment to reinforcing the slumping economy. This is unquestionably a win-win.

The Florida vote has long been a source of controversy and confusion. (Anyone remember 2000?) This septuagenarian-populated state could be highly sympathetic with Mr. McCain, given some obvious similarities, so Obama’s work is cut out for him here. Why not court the elderly vote by engaging in one of their traditionally favorite pastimes? Check out the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, or meet the Blue Monster head-on in Doral. Show these old-timers that experience isn’t everything, at least in the game of golf! It’s about quality, not quantity.

With his new rejection of public financing, the Obama campaign has released ads in some states that have been Republican strongholds in past elections. States like North Carolina, Georgia, and Montana may become battlegrounds of this year’s campaign, but respite can be found on their marvelous golf courses. Myrtle Beach, Augusta National, and Old Works are household names in the world of golf and add some serious street cred to a golfer’s resume. So, Mr. Obama, while you’re on the trail pulling out all the stops, our suggestion is that you try pulling out the clubs. Go for the golfer’s vote!

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