The Ryder Cup camps have been informed that Donald Trump will delay his arrival at Bethpage Black on the opening day to ensure that there is no repeat of the security issues that affected the US Open men’s tennis final.
It was believed that the US president would be on the first tee here at this New York venue to greet the first match in the opening session that begins at 7.10am local time. But as reported two weeks ago, the PGA of America, which oversees the US arm of the Ryder Cup, politely inquired if it would be possible for the fanatical golfer to come to the course later.
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Trump is not known for his listening skills, but it appears he has agreed and will make his entrance at lunchtime before the afternoon fourballs tee off just after noon.
Trump’s arrival at the US Open final last month caused hundreds of fans to miss the start of the match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz because of increased measures put in place to facilitate the president’s arrival. The start had already been delayed by 37 minutes as many spectators were still queuing outside the stadium.
Trump received a mixed reception at Flushing Meadows as he was jeered when shown on the big screen during the American national anthem.
One person who will definitely be relieved is Ryder Cup director Bryan Karns, who warned of the effect any security delay could have on the match. “We actually won’t be able to delay the tee times because we don’t have the evening,” Karns told Front Office Sports.
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“At Arthur Ashe Stadium, you can flip those lights on, you can go late. Whereas we don’t have that luxury of doing that.”
It is understood that the Europe camp urged the PGA of America to gain clarity from the White House, with Luke Donald keen to know what to expect so he can prepare his players. “That would make things a little bit easier,” the Europe captain replied recently when asked if he would prefer a later Trump arrival. “The morning is a rush, isn’t it?”
The atmosphere is bound to be fever pitch regardless. Much of Donald’s build-up has focused on readying his dozen to handle the hostility, although the Englishman has ventured that the fact the Americans are being paid for the first time in the event’s history has allowed for the possibility of notorious New York fans turning on their own team.
At the traditional captains’ press conference on Monday, Keegan Bradley was questioned on the subject in front of Donald, and he sounded awkward in his response.
Keegan Bradley (left) appeared awkward in front of opposing captain Luke Donald when asked about American players being paid to feature in the Ryder Cup – Shutterstock/Erik S Lesser
“The PGA of America came to me – they wanted to bring the Ryder Cup into the present day,” Bradley said. “They asked me to sort of shepherd their way into making it into 2025. And this is what we decided. We felt like this was the best way to do it.”
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Each player – and the captain and his assistants – will receive $500,000 (£370,000), of which $300,000 must go to a charity. The remaining $200,000 can be spent as each individual wishes. Bradley had already confirmed that he will donate the entirety to charity, but refused to put pressure on his men.
“I think for everyone it’s a personal decision,” he said. “I think that the players are really good people and are going to do a lot of good things.”
Patrick Cantlay has been viewed as instrumental in the appearance fees. Two years ago in Rome he was accused of not wearing a team cap as a protest about the non-payment, although he claimed it was because the hat did not fit. The milliners have clearly been busy as there was Cantlay happily donning a cap as the home team began their preparations.