Luke Donald’s captaincy earned presidential praise on Friday as Europe stormed into a commanding Ryder Cup lead at Bethpage Black – and turned the head of Donald Trump in the process.
The US President, who made a high-profile entrance on the first tee to chants of “USA, USA,” appeared to shrug off his team’s dismal start as Europe raced ahead 3-1 in the morning foursomes before tightening their grip with another strong afternoon showing.
By the close of play, Donald’s side held a 5.5-2.5 advantage going into Saturday.
Despite the partisan atmosphere, Trump was quick to share his admiration for the European captain.
The 79-year-old watched the action from behind a glass screen in the grandstand and personally greeted players from both teams as they emerged from the tunnel.
Donald later revealed what was said during their brief exchange.
Rory McIlroy appears to swear at American fans as controversy strikes at Ryder Cup
Luke Donald’s captaincy earned presidential praise on Friday as Europe stormed into a commanding Ryder Cup lead at Bethpage Black – and turned the head of Donald Trump in the process
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“I saw Mr. President and shook his hand and said hello, and he said, ‘You know what, you’re becoming a real great leader.’ It was nice of him to say that,” Donald told reporters after Europe’s near-clean sweep.
“It was nice of him to support this event.”
Donald Trump pictured talking with Luke Donald at the Ryder Cup
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Donald has opted to keep faith with all four of his successful pairings for Saturday’s morning session, hoping to build on Europe’s momentum and edge closer to ending their 12-year wait for victory on US soil.
By contrast, American captain Keegan Bradley has made just one change despite Friday’s humbling.
Cam Young steps in to partner Bryson DeChambeau in the opening match at 7:10am local time, replacing Justin Thomas.
The decision raised eyebrows given the Americans’ struggles, but Bradley insisted he would not deviate from his plan.
“We’re sticking to our plan,” Bradley said defiantly. “We’re not going to panic and make those sorts of mistakes. We’re going to stick to what we know.”
Luke Donald will be hoping to steer Team Europe to victory at the Ryder Cup
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Collin Morikawa and Harris English, who suffered a heavy 5&4 defeat to Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, will face the same opponents again as Europe’s “Fleetwood Mac” pairing seek to inflict further damage.
Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, the USA’s lone winners from the opening session, will attempt to cut the deficit when they take on Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton – a duo who continued their unbeaten Ryder Cup partnership from Rome.
The final foursomes match sees Viktor Hovland and Robert MacIntyre attempt to bounce back from their defeat to Schauffele and Cantlay, taking on world No 1 Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley as the Americans try to salvage pride after a disappointing first day.
With Europe riding high and Trump giving his seal of approval to Donald’s leadership, the stage is set for another intense day at Bethpage Black as the US bid to turn the tide.