Clinton Hits The Links Before Surgery

CNN News Report

HOBE SOUND, Fla. -- About to tee off at a golf tournament Wednesday, former President Clinton appeared unconcerned about his surgery the following day to drain fluid from his chest.

"I'm playing, storm or sunshine," Clinton said. "I knew I was going to have this procedure when [former] President Bush and I went to Asia. There's nothing wrong with me except I have fluid buildup between my ribs and my lung, and it affects my breathing."

Clinton and the elder Bush toured tsunami devastation in Asia last month, and they took part in Wednesday's tournament to benefit survivors of the disaster.

Clinton's procedure is needed as a result of the open heart surgery he had last year, his doctors said.

The physicians described the complication as "quite uncommon" but the surgery as relatively low risk.

In September, Clinton, 58, underwent a four-hour quadruple bypass operation after doctors said they found extensive heart disease. Some arteries were more than 90 percent blocked.

The senior Bush joined Clinton and pro golfer Greg Norman to hit the links at the Medalist Golf Club. Golfers pledged about $30,000 each to join them. The pricey entry fee was a result of fewer golfers being able to participate, Norman said.

The "Three Friends, One Goal" event has raised $1.8 million so far, the trio said.

Norman said Clinton was determined to play despite his surgical appointment Thursday.

"We talked about his surgery last night, and he's not that bothered about it and to him the priority is ... to raise as much money as they can for tsunami [relief]," Norman said.

Norman said he was honored to play with the former presidents, whom he described as normal people who "put their pants on the same way we do every morning."