FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive at Bethpage Black later on Friday, the opening day of the Ryder Cup. Organizers hope to avoid significant security delays, similar to those experienced during the US Open men’s final. Trump watched Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Jannik Sinner in four sets from the Rolex box at Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 7. Due to the additional security, the start of the match was delayed 37 minutes, and thousands of fans were still waiting in the security lines when the match began. The PGA of America expects to receive final confirmation from the White House on Trump’s plans within the next 24 hours, according to a spokesperson. PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague previously confirmed that the governing body invited Trump to the Ryder Cup “several weeks ago.” In a statement issued on Wednesday, the PGA of America advised fans to arrive as early as possible on the opening day of the Ryder Cup.
The first foursomes (alternate shot) match of the session on Friday is scheduled for 7:10 a.m. ET. A four-match fourball (best ball) session is scheduled to begin at 12:25 p.m. ET. The world’s number 1 golfer, Scottie Scheffler, told reporters on Tuesday that, as far as he knew, Trump had no plans to address the American team before the start of the Ryder Cup.“Attendees with tickets are strongly encouraged to arrive as early as possible and to allow extra time when planning their day. In addition to security checks at the entrance, spectators will be subject to TSA-like checkpoints around the clubhouse, the adjacent grandstand, and surrounding areas,” said the PGA of America. “If spectators leave these secure areas, they will need to be re-screened before re-entering that zone.”
PGA of America
Scheffler went on to say that he doesn’t believe Trump has plans to address the team, but that they will certainly listen if things go well. The Trump Organization owns several golf courses around the world, so it’s not surprising that he’s attending the first Ryder Cup held in the New York area.“The president is a bit funny,” Scheffler said. “He loves golf. He loves supporting golfers, and sometimes I get a call or text from him after victories. He loves golf, and he’s one of those guys who when you’re with him, does a good job, like, feeding confidence in everyone around him.
Scottie Scheffler
Bradley indicated that Trump could be standing on the first tee at the time of his arrival at the Black Course.“I am deeply honored that the President of the United States will be supporting our team at the Ryder Cup,” said U.S. team captain Keegan Bradley. “I think being around a sitting president is pretty phenomenal, but when you’re representing your country at a place like Bethpage Black in New York, to have the President there to support you is absolutely incredible. I’m very grateful for that.”
Keegan Bradley
“I’m really looking forward to seeing what that first tee will be like with the president on the tee,” Bradley said. “I think this first tee at Bethpage is going to be a sporting event to remember in any sport, and then you add the President of the United States standing there, I think it’s going to be something everyone will remember forever.”
Keegan Bradley
