Ryder Cup organisers warned spectators about possible delays and enhanced security when US President Donald Trump attends the opening day of the biennial golf showdown at Bethpage Black.
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The United States and holders Europe will begin the 45th edition of the event on Friday, with well-known golfer and golf fan Trump among more than 50,000 spectators expected for the opening day of matches.
Trump’s appearance at the final day of the nearby US Open tennis championships in New York earlier this month postponed the start of the men’s final by 30 minutes as spectators were caught in delays and enhanced security checks around Arthur Ashe stadium.
Trump has attended several other major sports events this year, including the Super Bowl in February and the FIFA Club World Cup final in July.
“I’m deeply honoured the President of the United States is going to come support our team at the Ryder Cup,” US captain Keegan Bradley said.
“Any time you can be around a current President is a pretty phenomenal thing, but when you’re representing your country… having the President there to support you is something that’s just absolutely incredible.”
Two-time US Open champion DeChambeau is excited for Trump’s visit.
“I hope he will inspire us to victory,” DeChambeau said.
“I think he’ll be a great force for us to get a lot of people on our side. It will be interesting and exciting to see how the crowd and everybody reacts. It’s going to be an electric environment.”
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Tighter security measures will be in place on Friday but details have not been released.
However, a source told AFP that plans were being made around a time span centred in the early afternoon when four-ball matches are scheduled to begin.
“Those attending the Ryder Cup on Friday should expect enhanced security measures and additional restrictions in place at Bethpage Black,” a statement from the PGA of America said.
“Guests should expect temporary delays moving around publicly accessible areas inside and outside of the Bethpage Black golf course. These areas may briefly become restricted or frozen spaces before, during or after the event.”
Beyond the usual entrance security measures, spectators were warned to expect airport-style security screening around the clubhouse, nearby grandstands and surrounding areas.
“Ticketed attendees are strongly urged to arrive as early as possible and should budget extra time as they plan their day,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, some items usually allowed at major golf events including portable folding chairs, large umbrellas and insulated drink containers will not be allowed on Friday in the first tee grandstand or clubhouse area of the golf course.
Full list of prohibited items:
Portable folding chairs
Large vaping devices
Torch-style lighters
Metal/hard plastic insulated beverage containers
Large umbrellas (small retractable umbrellas are allowed).
Umbrella use may be restricted in certain areas of the course and main grandstand. Rain ponchos are strongly encouraged.
Range finders will NOT be permitted inside the golf course on Friday, September 26.
All bags, personal items and their contents may be subject to inspection.
Laptops and tablets will NOT be permitted in the Bethpage Black Golf Course
