Justin Rose anticipates the arrival of United States President Donald Trump will not prove to be a “continued distraction” during the Friday fourballs at the Ryder Cup.
Trump, 79, is scheduled to arrive at Bethpage Black around lunch time on Friday for the second session of the opening day’s play between home favourites United States and defending champions Europe.
Ryder Cup officials have significantly stepped up security measures on the eve of Trump’s appearance, with notable items such as golf rangefinders banned from entering the golf course and clubhouse area.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Trump’s arrival at the Ryder Cup on Friday afternoon, and Rose is confident the noise around the golf-mad US President will not prove too much of a disturbance for the players during the first fourballs session.
Rose, 45, does not expect Trump be standing on tee boxes and getting too close to the action with which to distract the matches.
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Although it’s not fully set it stone.
“Yeah, obviously he’s going to bring certainly a lot of attention and patriotism to the event,” said Rose.
“By all accounts, he’s going to be in — I don’t think he’s going to necessarily be on the tee box with us or roaming the course.
“So from that point of view, I think there will just be a lot of noise around it, but I’m not sure there will be the continued distraction of it.
“But again, I could be wrong, just based upon what I’ve heard, how they’re going to handle his movements around the property.
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“Listen, it’s great for golf that he’s engaged in the game and obviously he brings a lot of eyeballs with him.
“Yeah, fan-wise, I’m sure Friday afternoon will be certainly very intense and entertaining.”
Rose is making his seventh appearance
Rose is competing in his seventh Ryder Cup match at Bethpage.
The Englishman owns an impressive 60% win rate from a total of 26 games.
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Rose’s record stands at 14-9-3.
Justin Rose Ryder Cup Record
Appearances
Matches
Record
Points %
Top Points Combined
Top Points Europe
Justin Rose
6
26
14–9–3
59.62
50/1
22/1
Rose was further pressed by a reporter as to whether he would encourage Trump to stand on the podium with Europe should they successfully retain the Ryder Cup on Sunday.
The former World No.1 nodded – but isn’t certain Trump would fancy it.
“100 percent, yeah, would love the opportunity to have that opportunity,” said Rose.
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“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.”
Donald and Rose
Luke Donald’s Team Europe is looking to become the first away team to win the Ryder Cup since Medinah in 2012.
Donald is also looking to become the first captain to win consecutive Ryder Cup contests since compatriot Tony Jacklin in 1989.
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Rose also defended one of Europe’s new tricks during his latest press conference.
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