Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black: Bans on chairs, vapes and more as Trump arrival looms

Bethpage Black in New York opened its gates at 5 a.m. EST as one of the Ryder Cup’s most anticipated matchups began, with security measures tightened ahead of the arrival of President Donald Trump.

A ban was in effect on a range of items typically permitted at major golf events, including portable chargers, folding chairs, insulated beverage containers, large umbrellas and range finders, in the grandstand and clubhouse areas. Early morning crowds swelled toward the course as authorities prepared for the day’s schedule, with gates having opened before dawn and fans filing toward vantage points for the opening matchups.

The first four-ball pairings were set to begin just after 7 a.m., with play getting underway as organizers aimed to balance high security with a festive atmosphere. President Trump was expected to attend around 11:30 a.m. EST as the second round of four-ball got underway, adding another layer of attention to an event already charged by on-course rivalries and national narratives. The arrival of Trump follows a period of heightened security in the wake of the broader security environment surrounding public events, and organizers underscored that safety protocols would be strictly enforced throughout the day.

Security presence appeared pronounced in the early hours, with attendees thoroughly checked before entering the venue and lines forming at checkpoints well before the first balls were struck. The atmosphere reflected a blend of excitement for the competition and a polarizing backdrop that has characterized this Ryder Cup so far, as fans and teams alike navigated a charged environment.

Bryson DeChambeau, a Trump ally who is part of the U.S. team, said the President’s attendance could energize the home supporters and help drive momentum for Team USA. “I think he’ll be a great force for us to get a lot of people on our side,” DeChambeau said, describing the day as likely to be “electric” as the crowds roared for American players.

On the European side, Rory McIlroy and his teammates were greeted by waves of supporters and, at times, a vocal chorus from sections of the crowd. McIlroy acknowledged the challenge of playing in front of a partisan environment on American soil, telling reporters that crowd abuse was an inevitability given the setting and the stakes.

As play began, the first tee hosted a front line of European and American stars. Jon Rahm, a two-time major winner, was among the first Europeans to take the tee, facing a crowd that mixed cheers for his skill with jeers from sections of the gallery. One notable early chant directed at Rahm referenced a rival topic, punctuating the event’s highly watched status: "Hey Rahmbo, where’s the Ozempic?" The moment underscored the broader tension between fans and players that has accompanied the Cup’s week in New York.

The Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black has been marked by a demanding schedule, intense travel, and security measures designed to protect participants and spectators alike. The blend of high-stakes golf, political interest and security considerations has created a spectacle that transcends the two teams on the fairways.

The event’s reach extends beyond the course, with observers noting how the week’s coverage has blurred the lines between sport and broader public discourse. While American fans have celebrated the U.S. team's drive to secure a home victory, European supporters have maintained their own traditions and rivalries, making the Bethpage a venue where golf and politics collide in real time.

The Ryder Cup’s timing this year comes amid a period of heightened scrutiny surrounding political figures at major sporting events. While security remains the top priority, organizers have stressed that the competition itself remains the primary focus for players and fans alike, with a calendar that includes four-ball and other formats across multiple days.

As the day progressed, spectators continued to fill the grandstands and surrounding vistas, hoping to witness a pivotal moment in one of the sport’s most storied competitions. Officials reminded attendees that security protocols would remain in effect throughout the weekend, with additional measures likely during key moments of the event, including Trump’s arrival and the culmination of major matchups.