US president Donald Trump arrived to watch the fourballs on day one of the Ryder Cup amid a partisan atmosphere at Bethpage Black.
Air Force One flew over the course just outside New York at approximately 11:00 EDT (16:00 BST) and landed at a nearby airport.
Trump, an avid golfer and fan, arrived on the course 45 minutes later where he waved to the crowds, with some supporters chanting his name along with “U-S-A” while a number of others booed.
With Europe 3-1 up on the USA following the foursomes a fan quipped Trump should have brought his clubs.
“I think we’ll be ok,” Trump told reporters as he disembarked Air Force One. “All great golfers.”
He was accompanied by his granddaughter Kai, who is a keen amateur golfer and is set to play at the University of Miami in 2026.
Security had been substantially increased for Trump’s visit with the US Secret Service, CIA and FBI reported to be involved, external in a cross-agency operation.
Earlier this month the US Open men’s tennis final was delayed by 30 minutes because of extra security measures put in place for a visit by the president.
At Bethpage Black, Trump stood behind what appeared to be a special type of protective plastic glass which had been assembled at the foot of a grandstand near the first tee.
The 79-year-old was introduced to fans over the public address system and pumped his fists in acknowledgement before saluting during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner as military jets flew over.
Trump then walked from the security area and chatted animatedly with USA team member Bryson DeChambeau at the first tee box before hugging American captain Keegan Bradley.
Trump and DeChambeau have previously played golf together, with the 32-year-old two-time major winner supporting the Republican’s campaign for the last election.
DeChambeau said in the build-up to the Ryder Cup that he hoped the presence of Trump would “inspire” the United States to victory over Europe in the 45th edition of the event.
Europe are the current Ryder Cup holders following their victory in Rome in 2023 and are attempting to become to the first team to win away since they triumphed at Medinah in 2012.
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