What to Expect as President Trump Attends the 2025 Ryder Cup
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Two things have long captivated President Donald Trump: New York and golf. This week, both are in the spotlight. Where else would he be on Friday? The answer lies in the heart of Bethpage Black, where the Ryder Cup will take place—hosting a showdown between the U.S. and European teams.
Trump’s arrival is set for between 11:30 a.m. ET and noon, just before the day’s second match session begins at 12:25 p.m. Sources confirmed this, though they spoke on condition of anonymity due to heightened security around his visit. While he’ll be midday, his presence will test the event’s ability to manage large crowds and strict protocols.
Bryson DeChambeau, a U.S. team member and Trump’s appointed sports council chair, noted the atmosphere will be electric. ‘I hope he’ll inspire us to victory,’ he said, emphasizing the event’s significance. Over 50,000 fans are expected, arriving by any means—whether car, bus, or plane—for a spectacle known for iconic opening tee shots and packed grandstands.
Gates open at 5 a.m., with the PGA warning fans of ‘enhanced security and additional restrictions.’ Attendees in the grandstand, including the first tee and 18th green, will undergo TSA-style screening. The PGA urged early arrivals and extra time, noting delays in public areas may occur. On Thursday, new fencing was added, and overnight, the Secret Service will sweep the area, treating the clubhouse and first tee as a secure bubble.
Items like portable chairs, insulated drinks, umbrellas, and rangefinders will be restricted in the first tee’s grandstand or clubhouse. It’s unclear if Trump will stay in a suite, like he did at a Yankees game, or roam the course. (Mandel Ngan / AFP via Getty Images)
Three weeks ago, Trump’s visit to the U.S. Open men’s tennis final delayed the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner by 30 minutes as lines filled Arthur Ashe Stadium. Fans arrived an hour after the match began. On Friday, once onsite, Trump will be central to the spectacle. The 45th Ryder Cup is expected to be partisan, favoring Trump. During the opening ceremony, captains Keegan Bradley (U.S.) and Luke Donald (Europe) acknowledged Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, sparking boos from fans.
It’s unclear how Trump views the competition. Unlike his luxury suites at Arthur Ashe Stadium, golf is mobile, spanning hundreds of acres. Organizers expect him to watch the afternoon matches from the first row of the grandstand. After the first tee shots, his plans for the day remain uncertain.
A White House spokesperson declined to comment on specifics, citing security concerns. Justin Rose, a European Ryder Cup player, told reporters that Trump won’t be on the tee box or roaming the course. Yet, his influence is undeniable—spanning PGA Tour events, casual rounds with Tiger Woods, and YouTube appearances. His 2022 PGA Championship hosting duties, which were later canceled, were managed by the same organization running the Ryder Cup.
Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked player, said Trump occasionally reaches out post-tournament. ‘He doesn’t plan to address us as a team,’ he said, but expects a follow-up this week. American captain Bradley dismissed concerns about Trump being a distraction, calling it ‘phenomenal’ to have him nearby. In June, Trump presented the Club World Cup awards at MetLife Stadium, but won’t appear at Bethpage for the Ryder Cup presentation.
(Top photo of President Trump: Andy Buchanan / AFP via Getty Images)
