Donald Trump Attends Ryder Cup 2025 at Bethpage Black: A Blend of Golf, Patriotism, and Politics
The Ryder Cup has always been one of the most electrifying events in sports. The first tee alone is an unforgettable spectacle—thousands of fans packed into grandstands, chanting, singing, and roaring with national pride as Team USA faces off against Team Europe. This year, however, the atmosphere carried an added layer of energy. In the middle of the roaring crowd at Bethpage Black in New York was none other than President Donald Trump.
For Trump, who has made golf both a personal passion and a political stage, this was more than just another event. It was his favorite sport showcased at one of the game’s most iconic courses, in his home state, and in front of a patriotic crowd that largely supports him.
A Perfect Setting for Trump
The 2025 Ryder Cup is being played at Bethpage Black, a legendary public course in Farmingdale, Long Island. For Trump, the venue is particularly symbolic. It’s just a short drive from his childhood neighborhood in Queens, and politically, the surrounding counties leaned heavily in his favor during the 2024 election.
Add to that the Ryder Cup’s unique mix of nationalism, rivalry, and passion, and the stage could not have been more fitting. Team USA, led by captain Keegan Bradley, entered the event eager to bounce back from a tough loss in 2023. Trump’s presence, Bradley admitted, only added to the motivation.
“I’m just thrilled he’s going to be here,” Bradley said ahead of the tournament. “That first tee is already one of the greatest spectacles in sports, and when you add the President of the United States to it, it becomes something unforgettable.”
The President’s Warm Welcome
Unlike some other sporting appearances where Trump has faced boos—such as at the US Open in Queens—his arrival at Bethpage was met with cheers. Golf fans, who tend to lean conservative, gave him a warm reception. Many of the players themselves are familiar with him, too. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has spoken about receiving texts and calls from Trump after victories, highlighting the president’s active engagement with the sport.
Bryson DeChambeau, who also sits on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, said Trump’s presence could even be an advantage for Team USA.
“I hope he inspires us to victory,” DeChambeau noted. “Having the president here creates an electric environment. It’s exciting, and it gets the crowd behind us even more.”
Team Europe’s captain, Luke Donald, also acknowledged the significance of the moment. “Anytime a sitting president wants to attend an event, it shows the importance of the Ryder Cup,” he said. “It’s a mark of respect for the game.”
Breaking with Tradition
While presidents attending sports events isn’t new—William Howard Taft’s stretch at a baseball game is believed to have started the “seventh-inning stretch”—Trump’s consistent appearances at major tournaments mark a departure from tradition.
Most presidents avoid too many sporting events due to the heavy security footprint required. But Trump has gone in the opposite direction. Since returning to office in 2025, he has attended the Super Bowl, Daytona 500, UFC fights, LIV Golf tournaments, the FIFA Club World Cup final, the US Open tennis final, and even MLB games.
According to White House press officials, this visibility is intentional. “Sports are at the heart of American culture, and President Trump embraces them as the People’s President,” said Liz Huston, assistant press secretary. “From securing the FIFA World Cup and Summer Olympics to supporting the Ryder Cup, he is the greatest champion for sports of any president in history.”
The Security Challenge
Of course, Trump’s public appearances bring immense security challenges—especially after surviving two assassination attempts in recent years. Outdoor golf tournaments present unique risks compared to indoor stadiums, as spectators typically roam freely around the course.
At Bethpage, however, security was visibly heightened. Fans arriving at dawn faced airport-style screening procedures, particularly around the clubhouse and the first tee grandstands. Large umbrellas, folding chairs, certain vapes, and even range finders were banned. Attendees were warned they could be screened multiple times if moving between secured areas.
Despite the strict measures, fans remained upbeat, eager to witness both world-class golf and a presidential appearance.
Why Trump Attends
For Trump, sports aren’t just entertainment—they’re a political tool and a cultural touchpoint. His appearances resonate strongly with his supporters, showcasing him as a man of the people who enjoys the same passions as everyday Americans.
More importantly, the Ryder Cup aligns perfectly with Trump’s brand. It combines international competition, patriotic fervor, and one of his favorite sports on home turf. For a president who thrives on symbolism, it was a made-for-TV moment.
European star Tyrrell Hatton summed it up: “Trump loves golf, so it’s no surprise he wanted to be here. The Ryder Cup atmosphere is special, and having him in the crowd just adds to the uniqueness of it.”
A Sporting Event to Remember
The Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black was already destined to be one of the standout sporting events of the year. With the president in attendance, it reached another level of spectacle. For Team USA, it offered extra motivation. For Trump, it was another opportunity to showcase his deep ties to sports and his connection to American culture.
Whether you see his appearances as political theater or genuine fandom, one thing is clear: Donald Trump has made sports a central part of his presidency. And at Bethpage, standing among thousands of cheering fans on the first tee, he was exactly where he wanted to be—at the intersection of golf, patriotism, and power.