The 2025 Ryder Cup, one of golf’s most anticipated spectacles, teed off at Bethpage Black on September 26, 2025, drawing not just the world’s top golfers but also a wave of attention from the grandstands and beyond. Day 1 action was already sizzling, but the spotlight shone even brighter thanks to a high-profile appearance: President Donald Trump and his 18-year-old granddaughter, Kai Trump, made a striking entrance, captivating fans and adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already electric atmosphere.
As the morning foursomes wrapped up, Team Europe stormed ahead with a 3-1 lead over Team USA, setting the tone for a day filled with drama, momentum swings, and plenty of storylines. The Ryder Cup, famous for its fierce rivalry and unpredictable momentum shifts, has seen the home side claim victory in each of the last four editions. Would that trend continue at Bethpage Black, or was a shake-up in the cards?
The 2025 edition also marked a new chapter in leadership. Keegan Bradley, a Ryder Cup veteran, took the helm as U.S. captain for the very first time, bringing a fresh perspective and a dose of competitive fire. On the other side, Europe’s squad was led by Luke Donald, the former No. 1-ranked golfer, who returned as captain after steering his team to triumph in Rome in 2023. The stakes couldn’t have been higher, and the tension was palpable from the first tee shot.
But it wasn’t just the golf that had everyone talking. The arrival of President Trump and Kai Trump created a buzz that rippled across the course. The pair’s journey from Washington was an event in itself. Leaving the White House on the morning of September 26 aboard Marine One, they landed at Republic Airport before making their way to Bethpage Black. Cameras caught every moment, from Kai deplaning Air Force One at her grandfather’s side to their walk toward the course, a scene that immediately grabbed the attention of fans and media alike.
President Trump, sporting his signature white golf shoes, wasted no time in making his presence felt. He greeted the crowd and even took part in the pre-match flyover, offering a salute as jets soared overhead. Kai, meanwhile, stood at the first tee, soaking in the moment—a young golfer stepping onto the world stage, her passion for the sport as evident as her family legacy.
In a moment that blended bravado and optimism, President Trump addressed reporters before heading out to watch the action. “The team is not doing so well. So when I heard that, I said, ‘Let’s go on the plane, we have to try and help them!’ I think we’ll be ok. All great golfers,” Trump declared, never one to shy away from the spotlight or a challenge.
Security was tight, with Secret Service snipers perched nearby and bulletproof glass shielding the VIP area close to the tee box. Yet, Trump didn’t let the precautions keep him from mingling with spectators. He ventured out to exchange greetings, drawing a chorus of chants from the crowd—first “U-S-A!” and then “Don-ald-Trump!”—as fans acknowledged the former president’s larger-than-life presence.
Kai Trump, for her part, was making waves of her own. At just 18, she’s already a standout golfer, committed to the University of Miami and the proud owner of multiple amateur titles. Her rising profile on social media has made her something of a celebrity in golf circles, and her appearance alongside her grandfather at the Ryder Cup only amplified her growing reputation. For many, it was a vivid reminder of the Trump family’s deep roots in the sport—and perhaps a hint that the next generation is ready to step into the spotlight.
As the afternoon four-ball matches began at 12:25 p.m. ET, the atmosphere at Bethpage Black was positively electric. The Ryder Cup crowd, always known for its passion and intensity, had even more to talk about than usual. Team USA, trailing after the morning session, faced an uphill battle. The pressure was on Keegan Bradley’s squad to mount a comeback, especially with the eyes of the nation—and a former president—watching their every move.
The history between these two teams only heightened the stakes. The United States and Europe have split their last four Ryder Cups, with each side defending home turf. The 2025 contest, therefore, was more than just another chapter in the rivalry; it was a test of resilience, strategy, and nerves under pressure. Luke Donald’s European squad, buoyed by their early lead and the memory of victory in Rome, looked poised and confident. But as any golf fan knows, fortunes at the Ryder Cup can change in a heartbeat.
Trump’s presence at Bethpage Black marked his first appearance at a professional golf event since 2023, making it a homecoming of sorts for the self-professed golf enthusiast. His commentary—equal parts encouragement and showmanship—added to the day’s spectacle. Meanwhile, Kai’s poised demeanor and visible excitement hinted at her own ambitions within the sport. Observers couldn’t help but wonder: was this the start of a new era for the Trump family in golf?
For the fans in attendance, the combination of world-class golf and celebrity sightings made for an unforgettable experience. Bryson DeChambeau’s power drive drew gasps, while the sight of Trump and Kai behind the tee box became one of the day’s most photographed moments. The Secret Service, ever vigilant, maintained a visible presence, but the mood remained festive and upbeat.
By the end of Day 1, the storylines were as rich as ever. Team Europe’s surge out of the gate put them in the driver’s seat, but with three days of competition ahead, anything could happen. The presence of President Trump and Kai Trump only added to the sense of occasion, reminding everyone that the Ryder Cup is as much about spectacle and tradition as it is about birdies and bogeys.
As the sun set over Bethpage Black, the world of golf was left buzzing—not just about the leaderboard, but about the memorable moments, the family ties, and the sense that history was unfolding in real time. With the action far from over, fans and players alike are bracing for more drama, more excitement, and maybe a few more surprises as the Ryder Cup rolls on.
