The electric surge of “USA! USA!” chants swept across Bethpage Black Golf Course on Friday, pulling every eye toward President Donald Trump as he arrived with his 17-year-old granddaughter Kai, just as the U.S. team fought to claw back from an early deficit in the Ryder Cup. Trump touched down at Republic Airport in East Farmingdale around 11:15 a.m., fresh off a quick hop from Washington on Air Force One. Minutes earlier, the plane’s low flyover had already sparked cheers from the packed stands, where fans waved flags and gripped their drinks in anticipation.
He made his way to the course shortly after noon, entering near the 18th green in a sharp suit, white golf shoes, and his signature red “Make America Great Again” hat. Kai, an aspiring golfer set to join the University of Miami team next year, walked beside him, her presence adding a warm family touch to the high-stakes scene. The pair headed straight for the grandstand behind the first tee box, where Donald Trump planned to settle in for the afternoon fourball matches. As they appeared, the crowd’s volume spiked, drowning out a smattering of European “Ole” calls with waves of patriotic energy. This moment came at a tough spot for the Americans.
Europe had grabbed a 3-1 lead in the morning foursomes, thanks to dominant wins from pairs like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton over Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas, and Rory McIlroy with Tommy Fleetwood topping Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns. Only Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay salvaged a point for the U.S., holding off Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland. U.S. captain Keegan Bradley called Trump’s visit a morale boost, saying it fired up the squad right when they needed it most. Trump wasted no time connecting with the vibe. He shook hands with fans along the way, flashed fist pumps, and even shared a quick greeting with former U.S. Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin, drawing fresh roars from the stands.
Security kept things tight, with Secret Service agents weaving through the throng, but the president’s easy waves kept the mood light and lively. Bethpage Black, hosting the Ryder Cup for the first time, buzzed with its trademark rowdy spirit. Nassau County’s pro-Trump lean from last year’s election helped fuel the welcome, though a small group of protesters gathered nearby on Merritts Road, voicing immigration concerns with signs and horns. Inside the ropes, though, the focus stayed on the greens, where the afternoon session promised fireworks under partly cloudy skies. Trump’s drop-in fits his pattern of showing up at big sports clashes, from the Super Bowl to UFC bouts, blending politics with pageantry.
For Kai, it marked a special outing with her grandfather, who owns several courses and has long ties to the game.
