The opening day for the American team didn’t exactly turn out to be the way Captain Keegan Bradley intended. With a 5.5-2.5 score, the European team is leading the narrative. Meanwhile, America’s poor performances across both the fourballs and foursomes led to a stinging heartbreak for the team. However, it was this comment by President Donald Trump that deepened the wounds for Bradley’s squad.

President Trump, who had himself made his way to the Bethpage stadiums to witness history, greeted the European captain, Luke Donald. When asked about his presence and whether he exchanged any words with the European captain, Donald Trump told the media, “Yeah, 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.”

Although President Trump didn’t take a direct dig against the American team or Keegan Bradley, the implications were clear. The appreciation for Luke Donald’s exceptional leadership that led Team Europe to its quick lead positioned them in clear dominance on the greens.

Moreover, it raised questions on Keegan Bradley’s captaincy and his pairing decisions. That left fans wondering whether Bradley was aligned with his team’s playing styles and compatibility. Trump’s comments only add salt to the wound after a demoralising day for Bradley.

There’s no doubt Bradley has given the Ryder Cup every waking moment since his inception as the captain. The 39-year-old’s speech on the opening ceremony reflected his commitment and determination. However, his squad failed to deliver on the pairings matches, beginning with Bryson DeChambeau‘s 4&3 defeat.

Being the first match of the Friday session, the US team entered with a patriotic fervour. However, DeChambeau and Justin Thomas’ loss set up the stage for two more tumbling losses. The team’s hopes were crushed when Scottie Scheffler failed to deliver a point to the team, too. Ending the morning sessions, Team USA secured its first point, Xander Schauffele & Patrick Cantlay leading the charge. That’s when President Trump arrived.

Arriving at Bethpage midday, Trump acted as a morale booster, in hopes of shifting the momentum. The US president went and greeted the LIV golfer and chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, DeChambeau. Given their close friendship, it was less of a formality and more of a pep talk. President Trump influenced the players and uplifted team spirit, further raising questions about Bradley’s leadership.

The interaction reinvigorated players like DeChambeau, who was off to a hot start in the afternoon’s fourballs. Firing a birdie on the 4th and multiple massive putts, Team US looked ready to flip the script.

However, even that nudge from Trump was apparently not enough. More losses came in like falling dominoes. The team managed half a point after Patrick Cantlay took the lead once again and tied the match against Rory McIlroy.

Finishing the day with 5.5-2.5, Luke Donald seemed calm, composed, and in control of the trajectory of the match. In his post-round interview, Donald shared his appreciation for his team, including key players like Tommy Fleetwood. No doubt Donald’s remarkable leadership, pairing choices, and his poise under pressure earned him the compliment from the President, despite being on the opposing side. Donald shared his appreciation for the president, too, as he added, “It was, again, nice of him to support this event, and yeah.”

This interaction brings forward the personal rapport between President Trump and the golfers, showing a blend of friendship and mentorship. It also underscores how his presence and engagement can influence the atmosphere and dynamics at the Ryder Cup.

President Donald Trump’s influence on the Ryder Cup

As President Trump flew over to Bethpage on his Air Force One with his granddaughter, Kai Trump, the Ryder Cup embraced a whole new level of heat. Recovering from a tough morning, Trump’s presence injected a surge of “USA” chants across the stadium. Shifting the mood from the morning’s dismay to patriotic drive, Team America looked poised to turn the tide. Trump’s interactions, such as the fist-bump with Bryson DeChambeau, underscored his role as a morale booster. On the other hand, Captain Keegan Bradley’s ‘Trump Dance’ reciprocated their respect and admiration for the president.

Trump’s arrival significantly boosted the players’ expectations, with Bradley commenting, “We just had the president fly over in Air Force One, so I got a feeling things are going to turn here.” Moreover, DeChambeau expressed his opinions, adding, “I hope he will inspire us to victory. I think he’ll be a great force for us to get a lot of people on our side. I think it will be interesting and exciting to see how the crowd and everybody reacts. It’s going to be an electric environment.”

However, just as warmly the president was received, it also sparked some hassles on the fans’ end with added security and checks, causing delays. Many reported missing the opening tee. Some argued that the Ryder Cup had become increasingly focused on President Trump, sparking criticism on his presence in the press-conference. There’s no doubt, Trump’s presence not only lifted Team USA’s morale but also highlighted his tangible influence on the Ryder Cup’s atmosphere and momentum.