MR. FLEISCHER: Good morning. In this time of sacrifice, the President was honored to have the opportunity last week to make a sacrifice to the sport of golf.

Of course, I'm speaking of the President's operation last Friday to remove several benign, non-cancerous lesions from his face. Doctors at Bethesda Hospital confirmed that these growths were the result of the President's exposure to sunlight -- exposure endured during countless afternoons pursuing that American ideal, the zero handicap.

The President was brought up in a family that treasured the values of replacing one's divots, driving for show and, yes, putting for dough. In fact, it's fair to say he's devoted his life to the numbers at the bottom of his scorecard. And, as with any battle worth fighting, it wasn't always easy. As a student, the demands of his class work conflicted mightily with the demands of the links. He had to make a choice, and it's a statement to the President's character that he stuck to the values his family instilled in him. A few critics have said that, prior to entering public service at the age of 48, the President failed to distinguish himself in a meaningful way. What they choose to ignore is the decline in those years of the President's handicap, from a 21 in 1975 to an enviable15 today.

It might not be an ideal number. But the President has said repeatedly that he doesn't particularly care when he reaches zero. It could take a week, it could take a year or two years. The important thing is the President's commitment to the cause. Nor will he be deterred by this development. Like our courageous soldiers, sailors and airmen, our President will not shrink from the challenge before him.

His next tee time is Monday, 8:13 a.m., at Oakmont Hills Country Club.

Thank you.

END 9:07 A.M. EST