Ryder Cup officials have issued a firm message to U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of his highly anticipated visit to Bethpage Black later this month: the golf will go on, no matter what.
Trump, 79, is scheduled to attend the opening day of the Ryder Cup on Friday, September 26, marking his return to his home state of New York. A passionate golfer and single-figure handicapper, he is expected to draw massive attention when he arrives at the Long Island venue.
But after Trump’s appearance at the U.S. Open men’s tennis final earlier this month caused a 30-minute delay due to heightened security, Ryder Cup organisers are determined to avoid a repeat.
Tournament director Bryan Karns stressed that daylight is limited at Bethpage Black, meaning tee times cannot be shifted under any circumstances.
“We won’t be able to delay the tee times because we don’t have the evening,” Karns told Front Office Sports. “At Arthur Ashe Stadium, you can flip the lights on and go late. We don’t have that luxury. We need to finish both sessions in daylight so fans get the full experience.”
Friday’s opening match is locked in for a 7:10 a.m. local start, regardless of the President’s movements.
Trump’s Role in the Build-Up
Trump has also stirred headlines off the course. Despite U.S. captain Keegan Bradley opting not to include himself in the 12-man team, Trump publicly urged him to do so just a week before the official captain’s picks were announced.
“Keegan Bradley should DEFINITELY be on the American Ryder Cup Team – As Captain!!! He is an AMAZING guy,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, also confirming his attendance at Bethpage.
Bradley’s six picks were Sam Burns, Patrick Cantlay, Ben Griffin, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, and Cameron Young. They join automatic qualifiers Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau.
A Tournament Like No Other
With Trump’s appearance, a fiery New York crowd, and a team selection already sparking debate, the 2025 Ryder Cup is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in history.
Adding to the spectacle, Trump was recently spotted at Windsor Castle for the State Banquet, where he mingled with golf legend Sir Nick Faldo and LPGA star Charley Hull. Hull later revealed in a BBC Radio 5 Live interview that Trump is hoping to arrange a round of golf with her before the end of the year.
Bethpage, it seems, is bracing itself for a Ryder Cup that promises fireworks both on and off the course.
