FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — President Donald Trump made a notable appearance at the Ryder Cup, arriving at Bethpage Black just before the afternoon session on Friday.
He excitedly stated, “I’m going to go for a little while to represent the United States at the Ryder Cup, which is very exciting,” during a pre-flight address from the south lawn of the White House.
Accompanied by his granddaughter Kai Trump, who is preparing to play golf for Miami, he quickly answered a few questions about current affairs, including tensions in the Middle East and the indictment of former FBI director James Comey, before boarding his flight to New York.
Upon arrival, Trump watched the commencement of the afternoon’s matches from a secure box in the grandstand, which encircled the first tee and 18th green.
His seating area was protected by glass, and security was exceptionally tight, with heavy Secret Service presence throughout the venue, one of the five golf courses in Bethpage State Park on Long Island.
Attendees faced TSA-style security screening when entering near the clubhouse and first tee.
As he made his way to the grandstand, Trump engaged with fellow spectators, shaking hands and joining in the excitement, which included a spontaneous chant of “Donald Trump.”
American fans countered European attendees attempting to initiate a short “Ole” chant directed at Trump.
Cheering erupted as the U.S. team of Scottie Scheffler and J.J. Spaun began their round.
Trump greeted Bryson DeChambeau and Ben Griffin at the tunnel leading to the first tee box, accompanying them towards their caddies.
As DeChambeau teed off, Trump stood close by, observing as DeChambeau hit a shot over a set of trees, making way for a chip toward the first green.
After this, Trump returned to his seat just in time for the introduction of the next match, acknowledging players as they passed by him.
Once all four matches started, he discreetly moved to another area and remained there for the duration of his visit, departing shortly thereafter.
Trump boarded Air Force One at 2:50 p.m., having flown over the course at 11 a.m. while the morning’s final match unfolded on the 15th hole, where the Americans managed to secure their only point of the day.
Despite expecting a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of a campaign rally, Trump arrived to a rather subdued environment, with the U.S. team already facing a 3-0 deficit, while the American team captain expressed gladness at his presence.
“I got a feeling things are going to turn here,” said captain Keegan Bradley, acknowledging the flyover as he looked forward to Trump’s support.
Upon stepping off the plane, Trump expressed confidence in his influence, joking that he had come to rally support for the U.S. team, stating, “We’ll get it done, one way or the other we’ll get it done.”
Earlier in the week, Bradley assured that he was “definitely not” worried about any distraction Trump might present to his team or the event overall.
DeChambeau, a close ally of Trump who chairs the president’s council on sports and fitness, predicted an exhilarating atmosphere at the event, sharing optimism for a comeback from the American team.
Historically, there has been a connection between the White House and the Ryder Cup.
Notably, then-Vice President Dan Quayle attended the 1991 Ryder Cup at Kiawah Island, South Carolina, though he kept a low profile.
George H.W. Bush observed that tournament from home but attended various events post-presidency, while George W. Bush addressed the U.S. team in 1999 during his candidacy.
Bill Clinton hosted the Ryder Cup team at the White House prior to the 1993 competition in England, and although Barack Obama was invited to the 2012 event at Medinah in Chicago, he did not attend, though he supported the women’s Solheim Cup the previous year.
image source from：nytimes
