The 2025 Ryder Cup kicked off with all the drama, spectacle, and tension that golf fans have come to expect from this storied biennial event, but this year’s edition at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, was marked by more than just birdies and bogeys. On September 26, the opening day unfolded under a cloud of heightened security and political undertones as U.S. President Donald Trump made a high-profile appearance, drawing cheers from an already energized crowd and adding a unique twist to the competition between Team USA and defending champions Team Europe.
Fans began their pilgrimage to the legendary Long Island course well before sunrise. Many shelled out over $1,000 for the privilege of witnessing the action up close, braving bumper-to-bumper traffic and a maze of security measures that included metal detectors provided by the Transportation Security Administration and the ever-watchful eyes of the Secret Service. The anticipation was palpable, with ticket holders donning festive red, white, and blue outfits, ready to rally behind their home team as they sought to reclaim the Ryder Cup after a stinging defeat in 2023.
Despite the daunting layers of security, attendees found the process surprisingly smooth. According to event organizers, the Secret Service advised fans that the wait to clear security would take roughly 10 to 15 minutes—far less than the delays experienced at the U.S. Open men’s tennis final earlier in the month, where a presidential appearance had snarled entry for hours. By the time the first tee shot was struck at 7:10 a.m. ET, the grandstands were already packed, the crowd buzzing with patriotic fervor and the ever-present hum of helicopters overhead—a constant reminder of the sky-high security measures in place.
As the morning unfolded, it was Team Europe who seized the initiative, racing out to a 3-1 lead in the morning foursomes. The away fans, draped in blue-and-gold costumes and waving European flags, made their presence felt in what was otherwise hostile territory. Twice major winner Jon Rahm set the tone early for the Europeans, drawing admiration even from the American faithful for his poise under pressure.
But the day’s biggest storyline wasn’t just the play on the course. Shortly after noon, Air Force One made a dramatic flyover, signaling the arrival of President Trump. The president’s appearance electrified the already raucous crowd, as he stepped onto the grounds accompanied by his teenage granddaughter, Kai, herself a recreational golfer. Trump, sporting white golf shoes, was greeted with chants of “USA! USA! USA!” and a chorus of cheers that dwarfed the reception he’d received at other recent sporting events, including the Super Bowl and the U.S. Open.
Trump wasted no time immersing himself in the action. He shook hands with fans, pumped his fist in the air, and even made his way onto the course to give American star Bryson DeChambeau a fist bump as DeChambeau prepared to begin his fourball match alongside teammate Ben Griffin. The president’s visible enthusiasm seemed to inject a jolt of energy into the American squad, who had struggled to gain traction against a confident European side.
“I think we’ll be ok,” Trump told reporters on the tarmac, exuding trademark optimism. His presence was noted by U.S. team captain Keegan Bradley, who remarked, “We just had the president fly over in his Air Force One so I have a feeling things are going to turn around here.” The sentiment was echoed by many in the crowd, who hoped that the added star power would help the Americans claw their way back into contention.
And there was indeed a glimmer of hope for Team USA. As Trump arrived, the pairing of Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay delivered a much-needed boost by defeating Europe’s Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland 2UP, helping the Americans avoid a morning session shutout. The win was met with thunderous applause, and fans rallied around the team with renewed vigor. Still, the deficit remained daunting: by day’s end, the U.S. trailed Europe 2.5 to 5.5 points, a margin that left little room for error as the competition moved into the weekend.
Throughout the day, the mood oscillated between celebration and unease. While the Ryder Cup is notorious for its rowdy, partisan atmosphere, this year’s event was underscored by a sense of caution. The persistent hum of helicopters and the visible presence of law enforcement served as reminders of the tense political climate. Experts had warned of escalating political violence in the United States, particularly after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier in the month and the June slayings of a Democratic Minnesota lawmaker and her husband. Organizers and local officials repeatedly urged fans to arrive early and remain vigilant, a reflection of the broader anxieties gripping the nation.
Despite these concerns, the event unfolded without major incident. Many fans remarked on the relative ease of passing through security, a testament to the meticulous planning by event organizers and law enforcement. Unlike the chaos that had marred previous high-profile sporting events, the Ryder Cup’s opening day was marked by a sense of order, even as passions ran high on and off the course.
As the afternoon wore on, Trump departed before the quartet of fourball matches had reached the back nine, leaving behind a crowd still buzzing from his visit. The president’s appearance, while polarizing in some circles, was undeniably a highlight for many in attendance and served as a talking point long after he’d left the grounds.
For the players, however, the focus remained squarely on the task at hand. The Americans, buoyed by their supporters and a late-session win, knew they faced an uphill battle against a formidable European squad determined to defend their crown. The next sessions would be crucial, with every point carrying enormous weight in the race for the Cup.
As the sun set over Bethpage Black, the scene was set for a dramatic weekend. The U.S. team, trailing but unbowed, looked to harness the energy of their fans and the momentum sparked by their high-profile supporter. Meanwhile, Team Europe stood resolute, eager to spoil the American party and retain their hold on one of golf’s most coveted prizes.
With security tight, emotions high, and the outcome still very much in doubt, the 2025 Ryder Cup promised more twists, turns, and unforgettable moments as play continued. For now, all eyes remained fixed on Bethpage Black, where history was once again being written, one shot at a time.
