The anticipation is building at Bethpage Black as the 2025 Ryder Cup approaches, with a unique twist added to the traditional excitement: the possibility of President Donald Trump joining Team Europe on stage should they clinch victory this weekend. This unexpected scenario was addressed by English golfer Justin Rose during a pre-tournament press briefing on September 24, 2025, setting the stage for a Ryder Cup like no other.
Rose, a veteran of Ryder Cup battles and a devoted Chelsea supporter, didn't hesitate when asked about the prospect of the U.S. president sharing the limelight with the European squad. "One-hundred percent, yeah, would love the opportunity to have that opportunity," Rose declared, his words carrying both respect and a hint of good-natured humor. He quickly added, "Listen, I’m not sure he’s going to want to be on the stage congratulating the team that sort of wins in his backyard. But listen, of course, he’s the President, ultimate respect, and that would be a great opportunity."
The Ryder Cup, a biennial contest pitting the best golfers from Europe against their American counterparts, is always a magnet for drama, patriotism, and top-tier sportsmanship. But this year, with the event unfolding at the famed Bethpage Black course in New York, the stakes feel even higher. Not only are bragging rights on the line, but the presence of President Trump—himself no stranger to the world of golf—has added a layer of intrigue and logistical complexity.
President Trump is slated to attend the opening day of the competition on Friday, September 26, 2025. According to Ryder Cup officials, his visit has prompted a significant increase in security measures. Spectators should brace themselves for TSA-style screening points scattered around the Clubhouse, grandstands, and adjacent areas. Organizers have urged fans to "arrive as early as possible and should budget extra time as they plan their day" in light of the presidential presence. Gates for ticket holders will swing open at 5 a.m., but attendees are being warned to keep personal items to a minimum and prepare for additional screenings if they leave and re-enter secure areas.
It’s not the first time Trump’s attendance at a major sporting event has caused a stir. Since taking office in January 2025, he has made the rounds at several high-profile contests in the New York metropolitan area. Most recently, on September 11, he was spotted at Yankee Stadium, and just days later, he attended the U.S. Open men’s final in Queens. That tennis match, featuring Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, was delayed by 30 minutes due to the security protocols necessitated by the president’s arrival—a detail not lost on fans or event organizers.
Reflecting on the challenges posed by such high-profile visits, Ryder Cup officials have reportedly suggested that Trump arrive later in the day to minimize disruption, though no official timeline for his arrival has been released. The PGA of America, which oversees the event, is working closely with security services to ensure a smooth experience for both players and spectators. "In addition to security screening at the entrance, spectators will be subjected to TSA-style screening points around the Clubhouse, adjacent grandstand and surrounding areas," read an advisory issued Wednesday. "If spectators leave these secure areas, they will need to be screened again prior to reentering that area. Gates will open for ticket holders at 5 a.m. Guests should make every effort to restrict personal items to a minimum."
Despite the heightened security and the inevitable media circus, Justin Rose doesn't believe the president’s presence will distract Team Europe from the task at hand. "I don’t think he’s going to necessarily be on the tee box with us or roaming the course," Rose said. "So from that point of view, I think there will just be a lot of noise around it, but I’m not sure there will be the continued distraction of it. But again, I could be wrong, just based upon what I’ve heard, how they’re going to handle his movements around the property. Listen, it’s great for golf that he’s engaged in the game and obviously, he brings a lot of eyeballs with him."
Rose’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among players and fans alike: while the Ryder Cup has always been about fierce competition and national pride, it’s also an event that brings together people from all walks of life—including, on occasion, the leader of the free world. The Englishman, who famously celebrated Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph with Trump on stage at MetLife Stadium in July 2025, knows firsthand how surreal such moments can be. After that victory, Chelsea star Cole Palmer admitted, "I knew he was going to be here, but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy. I was a bit confused, yes."
For Team Europe, the focus remains squarely on the golf. The Ryder Cup is a storied tradition, with decades of legendary moments and unforgettable duels. Bethpage Black, known for its punishing layout and raucous crowds, is set to provide a fitting backdrop for another chapter in this historic rivalry. Both teams have spent the week fine-tuning their games, strategizing for the unique match-play format that makes the Ryder Cup so compelling. The European squad, buoyed by Rose’s leadership and the camaraderie that has long defined their approach, is quietly confident—but fully aware of the challenge posed by a talented American roster playing on home soil.
As the opening day approaches, the eyes of the sporting world are fixed on Bethpage. Will Trump’s presence add extra motivation for the Americans, or will Team Europe seize the moment and invite the president on stage for an unforgettable celebration? Only time will tell. One thing’s for sure: the 2025 Ryder Cup is shaping up to be a spectacle both on and off the course, with history, politics, and world-class golf colliding in dramatic fashion.
With security protocols in place, players locked in, and fans eagerly awaiting the first tee shot, all the ingredients are there for a weekend to remember. Whether or not President Trump finds himself on stage with Team Europe, the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black promises to deliver all the intensity, emotion, and surprises that have made it one of the crown jewels of international sport.
