Farmingdale, N.Y. — President Donald Trump is not expected to arrive at Beth Page Black on the first day of the Ryder Cup until late Friday. The decision organizers hope to eliminate the long security delays that plagued the US Open Men’s Tennis Final in New York earlier this month.
Trump saw Carlos Alcaraz defeat Janik Thinner in four sets from a Rolex suite inside Arthur Ash Stadium on September 7th. With additional security in place, the start of the match was 37 minutes late. Thousands of fans were still at the security line to enter the arena when the game began.
PGA of America hopes to finally explain Trump’s plans within the next 24 hours, a spokesman told ESPN.
Derek Sprague, CEO of PGA of America, previously confirmed that the Governing Body had invited Trump to the Ryder Cup “a few weeks ago.”
The first match of Friday’s opening foursome (alternative shot) session is scheduled for 7:10am ET. Four-ball (Best Ball) sessions for four games are scheduled to begin at 12:25pm ET.
World No. 1 golfer Scotty Scheffler told reporters Tuesday that, to the best he knows, Trump had no plans to talk to the US team before the start of the Ryder Cup.
“The president is a bit funny,” Schaeffler said. “He loves golf games. He loves to support golfers and sometimes receives calls and texts from him after winning. He loves golf games. He does such a good job when you’re around him and gives everyone around him confidence.
“I don’t think he has any plans to talk to us as a team, but if things go well, just ask him this week.”
With Trump’s organization owning several golf courses around the world, it’s no surprise that he will be taking part in the first Ryder Cup in the New York area.
“We are deeply honored that the US President will support our team in the Ryder Cup,” said U.S. Team Captain Kiegan Bradley. “I think it’s pretty amazing whenever you’re around the current president, but when you represent your country in a place like Beth Page Black in New York, it’s absolutely incredible that the president is there to support you.
Bradley showed that Trump could be on the first tee when he arrived on the black course.
“I’m really looking forward to what that first tee will look like with Tee’s president,” Bradley said. “I think this first tee on Beth Page will be a sporting event to remember in any sport. And you’re going to add the US president standing there. I think it’s really going to be something everyone will remember forever.”
