The Ryder Cup crowd at Bethpage Black thought they’d seen everything, until Donald Trump’s Air Force One flew overhead. Fans quickly pulled out their phones, cheering and shouting as the atmosphere changed instantly.
The flyover wasn’t part of the event, but when the plane crossed Long Island around 11 a.m., it felt more like a campaign rally than a golf tournament.
Trump landed at Republic Airport shortly after, and had timed his entrance almost perfectly. The U.S. team had stumbled early, losing three of the four opening matches. The tension hung heavy until the crowd looked up.
Trump’s Entrance Shakes Up Day One
Trump made his way to the course just before noon. Secret Service had already tightened security with fencing, checkpoints, and a huge bulletproof glass screen around Trump’s seat. Fans had to go through TSA-style checks before getting near the clubhouse. Inside, the energy shifted the second Trump walked in. The crowd stood and cheered as he took his spot behind the glass at the first tee.
The President traveled with his granddaughter Kai, who plans to play college golf at Miami. Wearing white golf shoes and a suit with no tie, he joked with reporters before boarding. “We’ll get it done, one way or the other we’ll get it done,” he said when asked about the U.S. team’s struggles.
The Ryder Cup organizers had asked him to arrive late morning to avoid the chaotic early hours. Thousands of fans had been stranded after a power line exploded near the property. By the time Trump showed up, Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas had already fallen to Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley also dropped their match, while Collin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay salvaged a point.
Captain Keegan Bradley welcomed the added energy. “I got a feeling things are going to turn here,” he said after watching the flyover, although he didn’t take Trump’s advice while selecting the team.
Trump plans to watch the afternoon fourballs, with Scheffler and JJ Spaun taking on Rahm and Sepp Straka. He is expected to leave Bethpage around 3:30 p.m. But if the U.S. team finds rhythm, no one will be surprised if his schedule shifts.
For one moment though, the golf took a backseat. A Ryder Cup crowd found itself screaming into the sky as Air Force One reminded everyone that this event had just gone bigger than sport.
