George Bush Defends Obama For Playing 140 Rounds Of Golf Since 2009

Normally, past US presidents make a point not to comment on the work of their successors. For many reasons, that unnecessary chirping could quickly turn ugly for all parties involved.

George W. Bush has adhered to this policy... for the most part. This week an interview will air with the former president in which he comments on his successor, Barack Obama.

But Obama has nothing to worry about.

You see, the interview is with Jimmy Roberts and it will air on The Golf Channel. In it, Bush discusses the criticism levelled at President Obama for frequently taking to the links.

"I see our president criticised for playing golf. I don't," says Bush, an avid golfer. "I think he ought to play golf. I know what it's like to be in the bubble and I know the pressures of the job. To be able to get outside and play golf with some of your pals is important for the president."

President Obama has played some 140 rounds since taking office in 2009. That's more than Bush, who gave up golfing during the Iraq War. President Obama's golf outings have been criticised by some in the media as well as the Republican National Committee, which labelled him the "Duffer-In-Chief" on the day that he made his 100th golf outing.

In the interview, which airs Tuesday night in the States, Bush says that amid all the crises that the President of the United States must face, it is only natural to want to step out of the office occasionally.

"It does give you an outlet," Bush says. "I think it is (a good release) and I think it's good for the president to be out playing golf."