RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. — With four fund-raisers and an awkward reconciliation with the House minority leader, Nancy Pelosi, behind him, President Obama returned to a beloved golf oasis here for a weekend getaway with friends.

This time, though, was different. A punishing drought has raised questions about whether such oases can survive, and about the president’s weekend here.

The vast emerald green courses in the area are watered by a disappearing Colorado River and an underground aquifer that has fallen about 55 feet since 1970.

While environmentalists generally support the president, some grumbled that he needed to take up a new hobby or indulge it someplace else.