Fiscal Cliff -- But First Tees First

With the fiscal cliff deadline just days away, the White House said President Obama will leave the first lady and first kids in Hawaii and return to Washington tonight.

But first, golf.

Obama hit the links for six hours Saturday shortly after touching down in the islands. Leaving the press pool at a nearby McDonald’s, the president played at the Kaneohe Clipper course with White House chef Sam Kass, Hawaii pals Bobby Titcomb and Mike Ramos, and aide (and regular golf buddy) Marvin Nicholson.

On Christmas Eve, Obama was out the door of his vacation home by 9:30 a.m. for more golf with Titcomb, Ramos, and friend Greg Orme. He didn’t wrap up until 3: 15 p.m., then met up with his wife and daughters with the press pool still socked away at Dairy Queen.

Last night, the White House announced that Obama would be returning to DC.

First, though, it was back to the golf course with his Hawaii friends once again.

The Senate returns tomorrow with FISA reauthorization on the agenda.