The Ryder Cup is run by the PGA of America, the organization that yanked its 2022 PGA Championship from his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf course.
Four years ago, President Donald Trump was persona non grata in the professional golf world, ostracized from the sport he loves in the wake of the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. The PGA of America pulled his chance to host its major championship and officials in his hometown, New York City, tried ousting his company from the golf course it had hired him to run.
On Friday, Trump will be front and center at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black — welcomed to the first day of competition by the very powers that once shunned him. The Ryder Cup is run by the PGA of America, the organization that yanked its 2022 PGA Championship from his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf course.
U.S. captain Keegan Bradley said he’s “deeply honored” that Trump will be there to cheer on his squad. European captain Luke Donald said the president’s attendance “just shows how big the Ryder Cup is,” calling it a “mark of respect,” even if he’s rooting for the other side.
Trump, a Republican, will be the first sitting U.S. president to attend the biennial U.S.-Europe clash in its nearly 100-year history.
During his first term, he dropped in on the final day of the 2017 Presidents Cup at Liberty National in New Jersey.
His visit, expected in the late morning or early afternoon when the tournament is well underway, will mean extra security screenings in the areas where Trump is expected to be — near the clubhouse and first tee — and restrictions on what fans can bring. No rangefinders, laptops or tablets.
European stalwart Justin Rose predicted even more of a ruckus around the usually rowdy first tee when Trump is around. It’ll be a “very intense and entertaining” afternoon, he said.
