Trump, Kai attend Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black as U.S. seeks home-field energy
Trump’s appearance marks his first pro golf spectator outing since 2023 LIV stop; event unfolds at Bethpage Black with commentary from players and European rivals.
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — President Donald Trump, accompanied by his granddaughter Kai Trump, arrived at Bethpage Black on Friday for the opening session of the 2025 Ryder Cup. The president, who wore spiked golf shoes, boarded Marine One shortly after U.S. star Bryson DeChambeau unleashed a 344-yard opening drive to start the 45th edition of the competition.
Friday's visit marked the first time Trump attended a professional golf event as a spectator since August 2023, when LIV Golf staged its event at his Bedminster, New Jersey course. He had visited his Doral course in Miami earlier this year for a LIV Golf appearance and participated in a LIV Golf pro-am at his Washington, D.C., course in 2023. The Ryder Cup is the third major sporting stop for Trump in the New York metropolitan area this month, following the men’s U.S. Open final and a Yankees game on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Bryson DeChambeau said Trump’s presence could serve as motivation for the U.S. squad, while teammates and opponents weighed the moment’s significance. Scottie Scheffler noted that having the president on home soil, with the home crowd behind the team, carries emotional weight as the United States takes on Europe on U.S. soil. Keegan Bradley called the appearance a notable honor for the group, and Tyrrell Hatton of Europe called the Ryder Cup a spectacle that underscores the sport’s broad appeal, adding that Trump’s love of golf fits the event’s atmosphere.
Rory McIlroy, representing Europe, commented on the national pride surrounding the gathering, saying the United States’ passion and the home crowd add to the spectacle of the Ryder Cup. Robert MacIntyre offered a more reserved take, describing Trump as “just another spectator” in the field as Europe and the United States navigate the world’s best golfers in a high-stakes team competition.
The Ryder Cup will wrap up on Sunday, with Europe seeking to become the first road team to win since 2012. The event has not produced back-to-back winners for Europe since a three-year stretch from 2010 to 2014, and both sides are tightly contested as the weekend approaches.
As the teams head toward the final rounds, the event continues to draw attention beyond golf’s typical circles, highlighting the Ryder Cup’s status as a marquee, crowd-pleasing spectacle that blends sport with national pride. The competition at Bethpage Black has drawn a steady stream of fans and notable figures, underscoring the tournament’s ability to bridge athletics and national discourse in a high-profile setting.
