Obama plays an afternoon round of golf

On the first full day of his Hawaii vacation, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama spent some time on the beach and played a round of golf.

After an early-morning jog on the beach, Obama left the private residence in Lanikai around 11:45 a.m. for a round of golf at Olomana Golf Links in nearby Waimanalo on Oahu's Windward side. With security in tow, Obama climbed aboard a golf cart and began his round just before 12:30 p.m.

It was not immediately known who joined the playing group.

Television crews that arrived to catch a glimpse of Obama as he came off the course were shooed away by Olomana security.

The democratic presidential candidate was still on the course at 4:15 p.m.

He also played a round of golf at Olomana during his last trip to Hawaii in December 2006. This vacation marks his first time in Hawaii since then.

At about 7:10 a.m. today, Obama went for a jog on Kailua Beach, much to the delight of surprised beachgoers. He was accompanied by friend and campaign treasurer Marty Nesbitt and several security agents.

Obama was initially wearing running shoes when he got to the beach but sat down at one point, took them off, and carried them as he walked and ran.

Along the run Obama stopped to shake hands and chat with beachgoers. Some took impromptu photos of the presidential candidate as he ran past.

Obama, his wife Michelle, and their daughters Malia, 10 and Sasha, 7, arrived in Honolulu yesterday for a week-long vacation.

Obama was born in Hawaii and graduated from Punahou School in 1979. He traditionally visits the islands during the winter to see his maternal grandmother, 85-year-old Madelyn Dunham, who still lives in Hawaii and is unable to travel. Obama was unable to make that visit last year because of his busy campaign schedule.

At a Keehi Lagoon Beach Park rally yesterday, he told a crowd of about 3,000 supporters that wanted to visit his grandmother, relax, have a plate lunch, and watch his daughters play on the beach.

After the rally, he went straight to see his grandmother at her Makiki apartment.

Obama also said yesterday that he plans to go bodysurfing at an undisclosed location. The candidate and his family are staying at a private residence in Kailua.

Obama has no other public appearances planned. He will attend a fundraiser at the Kahala Hotel and Resort on Tuesday and the family is scheduled to leave Friday.