Ryder Cup officials have confirmed they are working closely with the US Secret Service to ensure that Donald Trump’s visit to this week’s event does not disrupt play at Bethpage Black.
Tournament director Bryan Karns revealed that discussions have already taken place to coordinate security and manage the logistics of welcoming the President to the opening round of the prestigious Europe vs USA contest on Friday.
Trump’s presence at major sporting events has generated significant attention — and complications.
Earlier this month, his appearance at the US Open men’s final in New York caused lengthy delays for spectators, with enhanced security leading to long queues and a 48-minute delay to the start of the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Karns is eager to avoid a repeat of that scenario.
“It’s really just a collaboration with the Secret Service to figure out the safest way to get the president on site and allow him to enjoy what we’re doing, but at the same time not disrupt the general flow,” he told Front Office Sports.
Organisers are particularly keen to protect the atmosphere around the iconic first tee, where thousands of fans traditionally gather for the start of play.
Ryder Cup officials have confirmed they are working closely with the US Secret Service to ensure that Donald Trump’s visit to this week’s event does not disrupt play at Bethpage Black
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“You don’t want something to happen where we impede that,” Karns explained.
Unlike the US Open, which was able to start late under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Ryder Cup has no flexibility to delay tee times.
Play is scheduled to begin at 7:10am local time, and Karns confirmed there are no plans to push back the start.
Donald Trump's attendance at the recent US Open final caused chaos for spectators
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“We want fans to see both sessions from start to finish,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Ryder Cup organisers have praised Trump’s team for cooperating to minimise disruption.
“They’ve been very mindful,” Karns added, suggesting that additional security procedures will be in place but handled as efficiently as possible.
Trump has made a habit of attending high-profile sporting events during his second term in office.
He was recently in the Bronx to watch his hometown Yankees, appeared at the Super Bowl in New Orleans earlier this year, and has been a regular presence at UFC fight nights.
Bethpage Black will play host to the 2025 Ryder Cup | GETTY
He has even promoted the idea of hosting a fight card on the White House lawn next year.
This year’s Ryder Cup promises to be one of the most hotly contested in recent memory.
Team USA will feature world No 1 Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa and Trump supporter Bryson DeChambeau, while Team Europe is led by Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland.
The tournament marks the first time the Ryder Cup has been staged at Bethpage Black on Long Island, one of the most demanding public courses in the United States, located just an hour outside Manhattan.