Until a few years ago, he had been sidelined by the golf world, but today Donald Trump returns to center stage. The President of the United States will be the undisputed star on Friday's first tee at Bethpage Black Golf Course on Long Island. He confirmed his attendance at the opening day of the 2025 Ryder Cup, welcomed by the very same circles that had shunned him after the events of January 6, 2021.
Donald Trump, golf
Immediately after the assault on the Capitol, the PGA of America removed him from the 2022 PGA Championship, a Major that was supposed to be held at his club in Bedminster, New Jersey. The City of New York attempted to remove one of Trump's corporate affiliates from the management of one of the city's most important public courses. But times have changed, and now Trump is being welcomed as a guest of honor at the tournament that represents one of the world's showcases for golf and beyond.
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Friday's appearance will be historic: Trump will be the first sitting American president to attend a Ryder Cup in the event's nearly 100-year history. He had already made a brief appearance at the Presidents Cup in 2017, but the media impact of a Ryder Cup on American soil is significantly greater.
His arrival, expected between late morning and early afternoon, will obviously involve heightened security measures, especially between the clubhouse and the first hole. Fans will have to comply with certain restrictions, including a ban on bringing electronic devices such as tablets, laptops, and rangefinders.
US captain Keegan Bradley expressed his appreciation for Donald Trump. "I'm deeply honored that the president is coming to support our team. To represent your country at Bethpage Black, with the president there cheering you on, is incredible. I'm very grateful."
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European captain Luke Donald also commented in his own way, while maintaining a balanced tone. "His presence shows how important the Ryder Cup is. It's a sign of respect, even though he'll obviously be cheering for the other team."
Justin Rose was more ironic: "With him on the first hole, it'll be a busy and fun afternoon. If we win, I invite him to come back on Sunday to congratulate us!"
Trump's love of golf is certainly nothing new. The tycoon has often played with professionals such as Bryson DeChambeau, Sam Burns, and world number one Scottie Scheffler. DeChambeau himself hosted him last year in a YouTube video ("Can I Break 50?") that has surpassed 16 million views.
Scheffler said that "Trump truly loves golf. When he's around you, he can instill confidence. After a win, I sometimes get a text or a call from him."
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From a sporting perspective, Trump has also attempted to mediate the complex issue between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, welcoming to the White House dignitaries such as Tiger Woods, Commissioner Jay Monahan, and the head of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund. For now, there is equally bad blood between the American and Saudi circuits: Trump's attempt has failed.
In 2026, its Blue Monster course at Doral will return to the PGA Tour schedule. Its resorts in Scotland and Ireland continue to host DP World Tour events. Furthermore, three of its courses have already hosted tournaments on the LIV Golf circuit, the Saudi-based tour.
Trump's presence will heighten the hype around the already fiery first hole of Bethpage Black, one of the most iconic venues for "American" cheering. Naturally, there will also be plenty of red Make America Great Again hats among the crowd, which have already been spotted during practice rounds. But, as demonstrated by the boos directed at New York Governor Kathy Hochul during the opening ceremony, even politicians are subject to the changing moods of the crowd.
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What do you think? Come and have your say on our Facebook group.
In any case, the 2025 Ryder Cup has already made history, even before it has begun. And with Trump on the first tee, tension will be sky-high.
