Politics

Trump to Attend Ryder Cup, Backing Bradley for Captain: What It Means for USA Team

byEditorial Staff

August 24, 2025, 8:29 PM

President Donald Trump in a red and white cap and dark attire, walking past white columns.

President Donald Trump returns to the White House after golfing. By Shutterstock.com - Joey Sussman

Executive Summary

President Trump announced he will attend the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York on the first day of the tournament.

Trump publicly advocated for Keegan Bradley to serve as the USA team’s playing captain, a rare dual role not seen since 1963.

The USA team has six automatic qualifiers, with the remaining six captain’s picks to be announced on August 27, adding significance to Trump’s endorsement.

The Story So Far

The upcoming Ryder Cup is a biennial golf tournament between the USA and Europe, with Europe currently holding the cup after their 2023 victory. The USA team still needs to finalize its roster, as six captain’s picks and the team captain are yet to be announced by August 27. Against this backdrop, President Donald Trump, an avid golf enthusiast, has publicly announced his attendance and advocated for Keegan Bradley to serve as a playing captain, adding a political dimension to the ongoing team selection process.

Why This Matters

President Trump’s announced attendance at the 2025 Ryder Cup, alongside his public endorsement of Keegan Bradley for a playing captain role, introduces a notable political dimension to the prestigious golf event, potentially influencing the upcoming team selections and drawing intensified public and media scrutiny beyond traditional sports coverage.

Who Thinks What?

Donald Trump advocates for Keegan Bradley to serve as the USA team’s playing captain and plans to attend the 2025 Ryder Cup.

The PGA Tour extended an invitation to Donald Trump, leading to his confirmed attendance at the tournament.

Modern Ryder Cup history shows that a playing captain is a rare occurrence, with the last instance being Arnold Palmer 62 years ago.

President Donald Trump has announced his intention to attend the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York next month and publicly advocated for Keegan Bradley to serve as the USA team’s playing captain. Trump, an avid golf enthusiast, stated on social media that he would be present on the first day of the biennial tournament, which runs from September 26-28 at Bethpage Black.

Trump’s Attendance and Endorsement

Trump confirmed his attendance via Truth Social, stating, “It will be a great Ryder Cup. At the invite of the PGA Tour, I will be there on tournament Friday!” This marks a notable appearance by the former president at the prestigious golf event.

In addition to his attendance, Trump strongly endorsed Bradley, 39, for a dual role. “Keegan Bradley should definitely be on the American Ryder Cup team – as captain! He is an amazing guy,” Trump wrote, suggesting a rare playing captaincy.

Historical Context for Playing Captain

The concept of a playing captain is uncommon in modern Ryder Cup history. The last individual to hold both roles for the USA team was Arnold Palmer, who was 34 years old at the time, during the 15th edition of the competition 62 years ago in 1963.

Bradley’s current form places him in contention for a spot on the team, having finished tied for 17th at the BMW Championship last Sunday, securing 10th place in the USA’s Ryder Cup standings.

Ryder Cup Dynamics

The 45th edition of the Ryder Cup will be held at Bethpage Black, a renowned course in New York. Europe currently holds the Ryder Cup, having defeated the USA in Rome in 2023.

The European team will aim to make history by becoming the first team to win on away soil since their victory at Medinah in 2012.

USA Team Selection

Six members of the USA team have already secured automatic qualification: Bryson DeChambeau, Russell Henley, Harris English, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and JJ Spaun. The remaining six spots will be captain’s picks.

The USA captain, yet to be named, is scheduled to announce their six captain’s picks to complete the 12-man line-up on August 27.

President Trump’s announcement adds a political dimension to the upcoming Ryder Cup, highlighting his continued engagement with the sport and his public support for specific players and team structures ahead of the critical team selection.