Trump's Ryder Cup appearance shadows U.S. start as Europe leads after Day 1

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — President Donald Trump arrived Friday for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black and said his presence could serve as a good-luck charm for the U.S. team as they faced Europe. After landing at Republic Airport, Trump told reporters the Americans were 'not doing so well' as the opening matches began and suggested he might offer a Knute Rockne–style pep talk to boost morale.

By the end of the day, Europe led the U.S. 5.5 to 2.5. The Americans did win the day’s fourth match, a morning foursome in which two players on each side alternated shots on a single ball until each hole was completed. Trump attended the event with his granddaughter, Kai, drawing cheers from the crowd along with a military flyover as the pageantry unfolded.

Trump’s appearance continued to stir attention as spectators chanted 'USA' and gave him an ovation. The Ryder Cup is a biannual event pitting Team USA against Team Europe, and Bethpage Black on Long Island provided a high-profile stage for the start of competition.

Early results highlighted how the day unfolded for individual players. NBC Sports noted that Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, opened Ryder Cup play with what was described as the worst opening-day performance by a world No. 1 since Tiger Woods in 2002.

With only three of the weekend's points secured on Friday, Europe needs 8.5 more points to retain the Ryder Cup, while the United States needs 12 points to win the trophy.

Trump has made attendance at major sporting events a recurring feature of his public appearances in his term, including a recent stop at Yankee Stadium to watch the New York Yankees play the Detroit Tigers on the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.