Jacob Bridgeman thanks Donald Trump (Image: Getty)
PGA Tour standout Jacob Bridgeman demonstrated his allegiance to Donald Trump and the Republican Party by appearing at a midterm election rally in South Carolina on Wednesday.
Ranked 16th in the world, Bridgeman emerged as a breakthrough talent on the PGA Tour this season, claiming victories at the Genesis Invitational and the Biltmore Championship Asheville. He also contributed to Team USA’s dramatic come-from-behind win against the Internationals in the Presidents Cup.
On Wednesday, he returned home to his alma mater, Clemson, for a rally led by President Trump supporting incumbent GOP Senate candidate Darline Graham, who faces a competitive challenge from Democratic contender Annie Andrews.
Wearing a Team USA Presidents Cup hat, Bridgeman addressed the podium to enthusiastic applause from the Clemson crowd. He participated in a spirited “T-I-G-E-R-S,” chant before delivering his remarks.
“It’s a great honor to be here with you guys in South Carolina, my home state, the Upstate, where I was born and raised,” he said. “I went to Chapman High School in Spartanburg, South Carolina. I live in Greenville now, and I attended the best university in the state, Clemson.”
Jacob Bridgeman appeared on stage with Donald Trump in South Carolina (Image: Kent NISHIMURA/AFP via Getty Images)
“So I thank the President, Donald Trump, for having me here. It’s been great to get to know him at the Presidents Cup, having him watch us have a pretty historic comeback on Sunday.
“And thank you to my captain, Brandt Snedeker, who had some good remarks for us after the round, after the tournament, for our President here, so thank you to him.
“I’m just glad to be here with you guys and glad to represent one of the best states in the country. I travel a lot, 20-30 weeks a year, and every time I come home, it just feels like home, and there’s no place I’d rather be.
Evander Holyfield was also in attendance (Image: Getty)
“So thank you to everyone who lives in this great state, and thank you for making it what it is, and thank you to the President for having me.”
President Trump has cultivated strong ties with professional golfers throughout the years, including Bryson DeChambeau, and he seemed thrilled by Bridgeman’s presence at the rally, flashing a broad smile as the 26-year-old approached the podium.
Any positive momentum is welcome for Trump as he faces the possibility of losing majorities in both chambers of Congress when voters head to the polls on November 3.
Graham assumed her Senate position in July after the passing of her brother, Lindsey, who served in the role since 2003. At the rally, President Trump honored the long-serving prominent Republican figure.
Trump called him a “great guy” and a “seriously good politician,” adding: “I love that brother He respected Darline more than any person alive. That included me, and I wasn’t happy about it.”