The 2025 Ryder Cup is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying golf events in recent memory, and not just because of the fierce rivalry between Team USA and Team Europe. This year, the storied competition at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, is drawing even more attention with the anticipated presence of U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday, September 26. Trump’s attendance marks the first time a sitting president has made an appearance at the Ryder Cup, fueling both excitement and speculation about the impact he might have—on and off the course.
Bryson DeChambeau, the big-hitting LIV Golf star and a key figure for Team USA, hasn’t been shy about his hopes for the president’s visit. "I hope he will inspire us to victory," DeChambeau told reporters, echoing the sentiment that Trump could be a "great force" for the American squad. "I think it will be interesting and exciting to see how the crowd and everybody reacts. It’s going to be an electric environment."
DeChambeau’s enthusiasm isn’t just about the game—he’s also become something of a social media phenomenon, with his YouTube channel amassing millions of views, including a viral round played alongside Trump that drew 16 million clicks. While some critics, like Golf Channel analyst Brandle Chamblee, have questioned whether DeChambeau’s focus is more on his online audience than the Ryder Cup itself, the golfer remains unfazed. "I think it’s great. I think any time that people can throw stuff at me like that, I enjoy it. I appreciate it. I think it’s good for the game of golf because it starts to spur conversation on," DeChambeau said. He also pushed back on suggestions that his subscriber numbers are inflated, pointing out, "Ultimately, on YouTube, you have to be verified to be able to subscribe and whatnot. So I don’t think it’s really that honest or true. But it is what it is."
For DeChambeau, returning to the Ryder Cup after missing out in 2023—when Team USA lost to Europe in Rome—has been nothing short of a "passion project." He described the sting of missing the last event and the 2024 Olympics (due to COVID-19) as a "big shot to the heart." The drive to be part of the American team again has fueled his performances throughout the season, where he notched three top-ten finishes in the Majors, securing his spot as the only LIV Golf representative on Team USA this year.
"Playing in team events my whole entire life, that’s all I wanted to do growing up," DeChambeau reflected. "And then being on the Ryder Cup for a winning team and a losing team, experiencing both the highs and the lows and missing in Rome, this has put something in my stomach that’s kind of made it a passion project for me. I want to be a part of this team and be the most helpful person I can for this team in whatever way possible that is."
His passion is matched by his appreciation for captain Keegan Bradley, who has been widely praised for uniting the American squad. "The words really aren’t there right now to explain how passionate I am about this USA team and how good I think we are and how positive we are and how encouraging we are, inspiring we are, and what this captain has done to bring us together, to band us together like possibly no other captains have done in the history," DeChambeau said, his voice brimming with emotion.
The anticipation surrounding Trump’s visit isn’t limited to the players. Organizers and fans alike are bracing for the logistical challenges that come with a presidential appearance. The PGA of America has issued advisories urging fans to arrive early, as security will be significantly heightened. TSA-style screening points will be set up around the clubhouse, grandstands, and surrounding areas, and a slew of items—including portable folding chairs, large vaping devices, and laptops—are banned from the premises. The hope is that Trump’s arrival, reportedly scheduled for later in the day, won’t interfere with the opening tee times for the foursomes session at 7:10 a.m. ET.
Ryder Cup Director Bryan Karns addressed concerns about potential delays, noting that unlike other sporting events, the golf tournament doesn’t have the luxury of pushing back start times into the evening. "We actually won’t be able to delay the tee times because we don’t have the evening," Karns explained, highlighting the importance of keeping the schedule intact so fans can enjoy the full day’s action.
The security measures are not without precedent. Earlier this month, Trump’s attendance at the U.S. Open men’s tennis final in New York led to a 40-minute delay as fans navigated increased screening. Organizers are determined to avoid a similar scenario at Bethpage Black, but with Trump’s history of high-profile appearances and the lingering effects of a failed assassination attempt in 2024, caution is the order of the day.
Team USA captain Keegan Bradley expressed his gratitude for the president’s support, calling it "absolutely incredible" and "a pretty phenomenal thing" to have Trump cheering on the Americans at such a prestigious event. "I’m really grateful to him for doing that for us," Bradley said, adding that he hasn’t heard of any plans for Trump to address the team directly. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler echoed the sentiment, describing Trump as someone who "does such a good job of, like, feeding confidence into everybody around him." Scheffler noted, "I don’t think he has any plans to address us as a team, but I’m sure if things go well, we’ll hear from him this week."
Across the aisle, European captain Luke Donald acknowledged the significance of Trump’s attendance. "You’ve got to see that as a mark of respect, President Trump is obviously a big supporter of golf. He knows a lot of the players this week and has met them before. It shows how big the Ryder Cup is," Donald remarked.
As the Ryder Cup tees off, the atmosphere at Bethpage Black is expected to be nothing short of electric. New York fans are renowned for their passion and intensity, a fact not lost on DeChambeau. "New York fans are incredible," he said. "I’ve been up here a few times playing and as rowdy and ruckus as they get, they still love the game of golf. Having Keegan being from around here, St. John’s and what he’s done to fire up this state, this city and our team, ultimately, is inspiring for us as a team to go out and represent the best way possible. I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to hopefully get them riled up and, you know, excited for what’s to come."
With the U.S. aiming to wrest the trophy back from Europe and the added spectacle of a presidential visit, day one at the 2025 Ryder Cup promises to be a sporting event for the ages. The action is ongoing, the stakes are sky-high, and the world is watching to see whether home advantage and a little presidential inspiration can tip the scales for Team USA.
