Team Europe strategic adviser Paul McGinley asserts that Luke Donald and his team are “ready” for the anticipated uproar when Bryson DeChambeau and President Donald Trump make their appearance on the first tee at the Ryder Cup.
President Trump is expected to be present when the tournament kicks off at Bethpage Black in New York this Friday, an event that will undoubtedly create an intimidating atmosphere for the visiting team.
Trump and two-time major champion DeChambeau share a close friendship, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them unite on the first tee in an attempt to set the tone for the event. DeChambeau has pledged to generate a “tsunami” of energy from the crowd as he makes his return to the Ryder Cup after being overlooked by Zach Johnson two years prior.
McGinley, a three-time Ryder Cup winner as a player and the captain who led Europe to victory at Gleneagles in 2014, is confident that Donald and his support team have done everything they can to prepare for the spectacle that awaits in Long Island.
“There’s no doubt [DeChambeau is] going to be very hyped up playing in this Ryder Cup. I mean, the crowd are going to get right in behind him,” stated McGinley.
“President Trump is coming on Friday, and him and President Trump are quite clearly big buddies, so that’s going to be a big noise as well. We’re ready for that. We’re ready for that.”
DeChambeau had difficulty connecting with audiences during the initial stages of his professional journey, but his public persona has undergone a dramatic makeover in recent times.
The 31-year-old has evolved from an outsider to a crowd darling, and he is prepared to do whatever it takes to energize the Bethpage spectators and create an intimidating atmosphere for the Europeans.
However, McGinley stated, “We’re ready for the style of player that he is. He’s obviously performed very well in majors in the last couple of years, and he’s a man for the big occasion. He loves the spotlight on him.
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“He loves when everything is focused on him, and that’s generally when he plays his best. He’s going to get a lot of love from the crowd, and that will probably elevate him. So we’ve no doubt the quality of player that he is.
“I expect him to be mega hyped up, and his energy will penetrate into the crowd, and the crowd’s energy will penetrate into him. I think he’ll be playing on a wave of adrenaline over the three days. There’s no doubt.”
