- - Trump attends first day of Ryder Cup to boost U.S. team

Stefan BecketSeptember 27, 2025 at 3:49 AM

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President Trump tried to boost the spirits of Team USA at the 45th Ryder Cup in New York on Friday, where he was greeted with cheers from thousands of fans at arguably the most prestigious competition in golf.

The competition got underway early in the morning at Bethpage Black on Long Island, one of the most challenging courses on the pro golf circuit. The Ryder Cup takes place every two years, alternating between a course in the U.S. and one in Europe. The tournament features two rounds of team matches on Friday and Saturday, before one-on-one matches on Sunday to close out the weekend.

"I'm going to go for a little while to represent the United States at the Ryder Cup, which is very exciting, and we'll be watching that," Mr. Trump told reporters before leaving the White House. He was accompanied by his eldest granddaughter Kai Trump, a talented high school golfer in her own right.

President Trump waves to the crowd on the first tee as his granddaughter Kai Trump looks on at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black Golf Course in Farmingdale, New York, Sept. 26, 2025. / Credit: Imagn Images via Reuters/Peter Casey

Air Force One flew over the course in Farmingdale on Long Island before landing. Mr. Trump lamented that Team USA "is not doing so well," and joked that he had to travel to Bethpage to help boost the American golfers.

His arrival came as the Americans were on their way to losing three of the first four team matches. Team USA picked up a win in the fourth match on the 18th hole shortly before the president got to the course.

He was introduced shortly after noon, with the crowd chanting "U-S-A" and singing along to the national anthem as fighter jets flew overhead.

As the second round of matches got underway, the president emerged from his box behind the first tee to greet Team USA golfers Bryson DeChambeau, who Mr. Trump has golfed with before, and Ben Griffin. The two Americans were in the first group to play in the afternoon, competing against Team Europe's Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood. The president stood behind the group as each golfer hit their first shot before returning to his seat.

President Trump walks with Bryson DeChambeau and Ben Griffin to the first tee during the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, on Sept. 26, 2025. / Credit: Darren Carroll/PGA of America via Getty Images

Mr. Trump remained at the course for about two and a half hours. The Americans were leading in two of the four afternoon matches, and tied in a third, at the time of his departure.

Scottie Scheffler, the world's best player and the anchor of the American team, said this week that the president's presence would give the U.S. team a boost.

"It's been a tough few weeks for our country with some of the stuff that's been going on, and to have our president here and for us to represent the United States of America, albeit being in a golf tournament, is extremely important for us," Scheffler said, according to The Athletic.

An avid golfer himself and owner of several championship-level courses, Mr. Trump has been highly engaged with the sport since returning to office. His course in Florida, Trump National Doral Miami, hosted a tournament for the LIV Golf tour in April, which he attended. And he has been involved in negotiations aimed at completing a merger between LIV and the PGA Tour, which remains unresolved. His courses are scheduled to host both LIV and PGA events next year.

The Europeans currently hold the Ryder Cup, having defeated the Americans handily in Rome in 2023. The home team has won the past four Ryder Cups, with the last European win on U.S. soil coming in 2012. The tournament is known for its raucous crowds, with thousands of spectators boosting the home squad and berating the visitors.

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