Justin Rose mentioned on Wednesday that if Team Europe secures a win at the Ryder Cup this weekend, President Trump would be welcomed to join the trophy presentation. This comment came during his practice round at Beth Page Black.
The British golfer, a noted Chelsea fan, responded light-heartedly to a reporter’s query about this potential scenario, which referenced the Club World Cup held earlier this summer. “Yeah, 100%, I love the opportunity to get that chance,” he said, quipping that Americans might not be keen on the idea if they couldn’t clinch a win.
“I mean, I don’t know if he’d really want to congratulate the winning team right in his backyard. But he is the president, and that’s a huge honor,” he added.
Trump is slated to be present for the first day of the Ryder Cup on Friday, although it’s unclear if he has plans to stay beyond that at Bethpage State Park.
This event marks the fourth major sporting occasion Trump has attended in the New York Metropolitan area since taking office in January, and he attended a similar event last month.
After Chelsea’s victory in the modified Club World Cup tournament in July, Trump introduced the trophy. Players celebrated this achievement, which initially confused Chelsea star Cole Palmer. “I knew he was here, but when I lifted the trophy, I didn’t realize he was in the stands. I was a bit bewildered, yes,” he explained to reporters.
This month, Trump’s presence at various events did present logistical challenges for tennis fans, causing a 30-minute delay during the final match between Janik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Officials associated with the Ryder Cup have already advised attendees to plan ahead for Trump’s attendance, suggesting they arrive early and allow extra time for their day.
Though it has been reported that the US PGA suggested Trump arrive later on Friday, no official schedule for his appearance has been confirmed yet.
In an advisory released on Wednesday, organizers noted that in addition to security checks at the entrance, attendees would face TSA-style screening points near the clubhouse and grandstands. “If an audience leaves these safe areas, they will need to be screened again to re-enter,” the advisory stated. The gates will open for ticket holders at 5 am.
As for whether Trump’s presence would distract the European team, Rose seemed unconcerned. “I don’t think he’ll be hanging out on the teebox or roaming around the course with us,” he suggested. “There’s a lot of chatter about it, but maybe it won’t be too distracting. Although, I suppose I could be wrong, given what I’ve heard about how they handle his movements on the property.”
