FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — With President Donald Trump planning to attend the opening round of the Ryder Cup on Friday, organizers are warning fans coming to Bethpage Black Golf Course to be prepared for some logistical hurdles.
The PGA of America, which runs the Ryder Cup’s U.S. operations, released a statement Wednesday telling attendees to “expect enhanced security measures and additional restrictions in place at Bethpage Black.” The tournament is expecting 50,000-plus fans Friday.
While Trump is now reportedly expected to arrive later in the day, instead of in time to watch the first tee shots at 7:10 a.m. ET, the PGA of America told Front Office Sports it doesn’t plan to announce his exact schedule. Trump could choose to reveal his schedule, though, like he did last month when he announced he would be attending the Ryder Cup on his Truth Social account.
The Ryder Cup is hoping to avoid disruption, like the one caused by Trump’s visit to the US Open last month. “We actually won’t be able to delay the tee times,” tournament director Bryan Karns previously told FOS.
Presidential Preparation
With gates at Bethpage opening at 5 a.m. ET Friday, ticket holders are “strongly urged to arrive as early as possible and should budget extra time as they plan their day,” the PGA said.
Beyond standard security screening at the entrance, fans will also be subjected to TSA-style screening points around the 5,000-seat stadium surrounding the first tee and 18th green, as well as the clubhouse. “If spectators leave these secure areas, they will need to be screened again before reentering that area,” according to the PGA.
Fans are also being advised to expect temporary delays moving around publicly accessible areas inside and outside of the golf course, which may briefly become restricted or frozen spaces before, during, or after Friday’s round.
Trump’s presence is leading to some typically standard items not being allowed in certain areas of the golf course, like portable folding chairs, metal and hard plastic insulated beverage containers, large umbrellas, and even rangefinders.
