Ryder Cup 2025: Justin Rose on Trump's Ryder Cup Visit: 'Great for Golf'

Justin Rose welcomes Donald Trump's visit

Justin Rose expects Donald Trump's visit to the Ryder Cup to create an intense atmosphere, but believes it won't be a distraction during gameplay.

“He's going to bring certainly a lot of attention and patriotism to the event...”

Justin Rose is gearing up for his seventh Ryder Cup appearance at Bethpage Black, where he'll face off against the United States team in front of a raucous crowd of 50,000 spectators, including US President Donald Trump on Friday. Rose expects Trump's visit to amp up the intensity of the atmosphere, saying, “He's going to bring certainly a lot of attention and patriotism to the event.” While Rose isn't sure if Trump will be a distraction throughout the tournament, he believes the president's presence will definitely make Friday's fourball matches more electric.

Rose's Thoughts on Trump

• Rose would welcome Trump on stage if Europe wins the Ryder Cup, citing “ultimate respect” for the President.

• He believes Trump's presence would be a “great opportunity” for the team and the sport of golf.

• Rose notes that Trump has been engaged with golf, attending major events like the US Open tennis final and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Justin Rose expects Donald Trump's presence at the Ryder Cup to generate significant attention and patriotism. “He's going to bring certainly a lot of attention and patriotism to the event,” Rose said. However, Rose doesn't think Trump will be on the tee box with the team or roaming the course freely. This isn't surprising given Trump's recent appearances at major sports events, including the Super Bowl and the US Open men's tennis final.

Trump has been making notable appearances at sports events, including the FIFA Club World Cup final in July, where he was seen on stage with Chelsea, Rose's favorite team, after they won the title. Rose would welcome a similar moment on Sunday but doubts Trump would be interested if it means the US team has lost.

It's worth noting that Trump's presence at golf events is nothing new. He's an avid golfer with a reported handicap as low as 2.8 and owns several golf courses worldwide. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler believes Trump's presence will boost the US team, saying Trump “feeds confidence” into those around him. Trump has attended numerous golf events, including LIV Golf tournaments, and has even declared golf a national emergency, proposing measures like free golf carts for Americans and mandatory golf lessons in schools.

“A hundred per cent, yeah, would love the opportunity,” Rose said of Trump on stage with the team and Cup.

“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.”

Justin Rose expects the American supporters to create a raucous and intense atmosphere at Bethpage Black, and Donald Trump's appearance will likely amplify the energy. However, Rose isn't convinced that Trump will be a significant distraction once the competition begins. “He's going to bring certainly a lot of attention and patriotism to the event,” Rose said, adding that he's unsure how much Trump's presence will impact the gameplay.

Trump's visit has led to enhanced security measures, including:

TSA-style screenings: Fans will undergo security checks before entering the course and may need to be rescreened if they leave and re-enter the secure areas.

Restricted items: Large umbrellas, hard-sided drinks bottles, laptops, folding chairs, range finders, and torch-style lighters are prohibited.

Early arrival: Spectators are advised to arrive early to account for potential delays.

The European team, led by captain Luke Donald, has been preparing for the hostile crowd, using virtual reality headsets to simulate the intense atmosphere. Rose would welcome Trump on stage if Europe wins, citing “ultimate respect” for the President

“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,” Rose said.

“But again, I could be wrong, just based upon what I've heard, how they're going to handle his movements around the property.

“Listen, it's great for golf that he is engaged in the game, and obviously, he brings a lot of eyeballs with him.

“Fan-wise, I'm sure Friday afternoon will be certainly very intense and entertaining.”

Enhanced Ryder Cup Spectator Security Procedures for Presidential Visit on Friday, September 26https://t.co/04ZltfedJx

— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 24, 2025

Gianfranco Zola Steals the Show at Ryder Cup

Justin Rose is getring ready for his seventh Ryder Cup appearance, but he's already making headlines for being starstruck by a fellow spectator - Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola. The Italian football great has been spotted at Bethpage Black, driving a cart for Europe vice captain Francesco Molinari. Zola's presence has left Rose “starstruck,” with the golfer admitting he'd love to hear advice from the Italian, who knows a thing or two about performing under pressure.

A Football Legend's Credentials

Gianfranco Zola is a highly decorated footballer, having played for top clubs like Napoli, Parma, and Chelsea. During his time at Chelsea, he scored 80 goals in 312 appearances, winning several titles including the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and the FA Cup. Zola was voted Chelsea's greatest player ever in 2003 and was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2022.

Rose Hopes for Valuable Insights

Rose believes Zola's experience in high-pressure situations could be invaluable for the European team. “If there's a moment that he observes and can kind of chime in and can understand the pressure or can understand momentum or locker room mentality, then obviously there's probably going to be something this week where he can relay a really powerful message,” Rose said. With Europe looking to retain the Ryder Cup, any advantage they can gain could be crucial.

Justin Rose described Gianfranco Zola's role with Team Europe as being like a “fly on the wall.” According to Rose, Zola is there to observe and potentially offer valuable insights, particularly when it comes to handling pressure and momentum. Zola, a Chelsea legend, is driving a cart for Europe's vice-captain Francesco Molinari and has been sharing his expertise with players like Rose, Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood.

“But if there's a moment that he observes and can kind of chime in and can understand the pressure or momentum or locker room mentality, then there's probably going to be something this week where he can relay a really powerful message,” Rose said.

“Hopefully he has that opportunity because I'd love to hear it.”

Rose was starstruck when he met Zola, calling him “one of the coolest people” he's met through golf

Zola's advice to the team includes getting into a “protective bubble” to cope with pressure and noise from the crowds, a tactic he likely developed during his football career. This insight could prove invaluable for Team Europe as they aim to retain the Ryder Cup.