Asked if Obama had called Key a cheat, Bridges said: "It's more a word of a question ... The [former] President remarked about intrigue about the counting skills of Sir John Key on the course."
Bridges said he spoke to Obama through Key's phone.
"The President confirmed he's had a great time here, really enjoying it. He and John have been talking a bit about me, so it's nice to have a sense that he's heard about me.
"It was a brief conversation, very warm, about the good time he's had in New Zealand. I was able to pass on that Sir John had been doing a bit of practising up there in advance of the game, so he wasn't going into it cold."
Bridges said the money forked out for the visit was worth it.
"Those pictures of him out on a pristine course with New Zealand's beautiful scenery are quite literally priceless."
Obama will have a chance to redeem himself on a New Zealand golf course this morning.
Later today Obama will be welcomed with a powhiri at Government House – the first opportunity for many to get a close look at the President.
He will have a meeting with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who was remaining quiet about what she would discuss with him.
The phone call comes after Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless said no to an invitation to dinner with Obama. Brownless was among a selection of mayors invited to attend a 1000-guest banquet with Obama tonight.
He said he was "honoured to be invited" but had to turn down the invitation because of a prior commitment on Thursday night.
"I have a citizenship ceremony to attend for 60 people and their families and friends. If I had gone to the dinner, I would have been letting 200 to 300 people down."
"And first thing the next morning I am opening a conference that means a lot to some people locally."
