If Donald Trump hangs around for a trophy presentation and Europe defends its Ryder Cup title at Bethpage Black this week, Justin Rose would gladly accept the spoils from the President of the United States.
“One hundred percent, yeah,” Rose said Wednesday of the potential for a shared stage with the U.S president, who took part in the Club World Cup presentation in New Jersey in July.
“Would love the opportunity to have that opportunity. Listen, I’m not sure he’s going to want to be on the stage congratulating the team that sort of wins in his backyard. But listen, of course, he’s the President, ultimate respect, and that would be a great opportunity.”
Team Europe has gone with wearable statements all week in preparation for the start of the Ryder Cup with a visual display of vintage victories on American soil. They wore the team shirts from the historic 1987 Ryder Cup win at Muirfield Village (Ohio) and broke out the purple 2012 kit from a memorable comeback win in Chicago at Medinah Country Club.
Rose said the feeling around Team Europe is that President Trump’s presence will spark even more patriotic vibes at an event known for being entrenched in a home-away atmosphere unique in the game of golf.
“Listen, it’s great for golf that he’s engaged in the game and obviously he brings a lot of eyeballs with him,” Rose said. “Fan-wise, I’m sure Friday afternoon will be certainly very intense and entertaining.”
Europe returns virtually the same 12 surnames from their home soil win in Rome in 2023. Nicolai Hojgaard was replaced by his brother, Rasmus, who was a constant presence around the team two years ago during a victorious romp around Rome.
After strolling the course in relative silence for two days, fans were in attendance and surrounded the course in Farmingdale, N.Y., for Ludvig Aberg’s two most recent practice sessions. It was a vocal alarm bell to get dialed in for Aberg.
“It was great. It’s such a cool, iconic place, Bethpage,” Aberg said Wednesday. “It’s that passion that the Ryder Cup brings out that you don’t necessarily see in a normal tournament. That’s why we all love it. That’s why we all think it’s the best tournament in the world.”
Tommy Fleetwood said players and their families have discussed being part of an atmosphere some might consider on the fringe of hostile.
“We’ve all discussed as a team who feels comfortable, how the family would feel comfortable, what they want to do,” he said. “I don’t necessarily think that’s part of — the away crowd is like a reason for that either. It’s just do they want to be out there and support; do they want to spend the whole 18 holes; do they want to follow someone else. … I think it’s something that we’ve all discussed, and it’s one of those things, it’ll be very fluid throughout the week. I’m sure it’s all going to be great.”
