Regardless of one’s political views, two facts about former President Donald Trump are widely acknowledged: he is unapologetically pro-America, and he has a well-documented passion for golf. These traits made his appearance at the 2025 Ryder Cup in Farmingdale, New York, a natural fit.

The Ryder Cup, one of golf’s most prestigious events, pits Team USA against Team Europe in a high-stakes competition that draws global attention. For Trump, the tournament is more than a sporting event—it represents a fusion of national pride and his lifelong love of the game. That enthusiasm is shared within the Trump family: his granddaughter, Kai, currently plays collegiate golf at the University of Miami on a scholarship.

Both Trump and Kai were in attendance at the Ryder Cup this year and were greeted with a boisterous ovation from the crowd. Spectators enthusiastically chanted “USA!” as they arrived, signaling the president’s popularity among many fans at the tournament.

During the event, Trump took a moment to offer encouragement to the U.S. players, delivering a brief pep talk as Team USA faced challenges on the course. The scene underscored the intersection of sport, celebrity, and politics, highlighting the unique atmosphere of the Ryder Cup when it hosts figures of national prominence.

A video of the reception captures the energy of the moment, illustrating the fervor with which the crowd celebrated both the event and Trump’s presence.

The crowd’s enthusiasm extended beyond cheering for Team USA, with chants directed at Trump himself. White House Communications Advisor Margo Martin shared footage of the moment, capturing the raucous reception and highlighting the president’s popularity among Ryder Cup fans.

Trump also took time to meet with Team USA players, including Bryson DeChambeau, Ben Griffin, Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, and Keegan Bradley. In a lighthearted moment, Spaun even mimicked the president’s signature dance moves, adding a playful touch to the interaction.

As Trump met with the players, it was evident he was offering a pep talk following a challenging start for Team USA. Europe held a 3-1 lead after the morning round, according to ESPN, and the afternoon sessions did little to shift momentum, leaving Team USA trailing 2.5-5.5 at the time of publication.

Team Europe entered the 2025 Ryder Cup as the defending champion, having defeated Team USA in 2023. That status gives Europe a slight edge: they need 14 points to retain the cup, while Team USA must reach 14.5 points to claim victory.

The tournament continues through Sunday, and despite Trump’s pep talk, Team USA faces a significant deficit to overcome.

However, there is a brighter note for U.S. golf fans. According to ESPN, the United States reclaimed the Junior Ryder Cup from Europe, reversing last year’s loss. U.S. captain Suzy Whaley praised the young team’s determination: “We were down first thing this morning for a long time, and these kids just fought so hard and they got the job done. They saw a sea of blue on the leaderboard and knew exactly where they stood. They showed grit, perseverance and did not give up.”