Golf-Scheffler expects Trump’s Ryder Cup presence to boost US team

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By Frank Pingue

FARMINGDALE, New York (Reuters) -World number one Scottie Scheffler believes U.S. President Donald Trump’s presence at this week’s Ryder Cup will provide an extra spark for the American team, describing the commander-in-chief as someone who “feeds confidence” into those around him.

Trump, an avid golfer and owner of several courses around the world, is expected to attend the opening day of the Ryder Cup on Friday, just over two weeks after the assassination of U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

“It’s been a tough few weeks for our country with some of the stuff that’s been going on,” Scheffler told reporters at Bethpage Black ahead of his third Ryder Cup appearance.

“To have our president here and for us to represent the United States of America, albeit being in a golf tournament, is extremely important for us and we’re excited to be on home soil with the home crowd and we’re ready to get this tournament started.”

Trump is no stranger to attending major sporting events and in February became the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl, then attended soccer’s Club World Cup final in July and the U.S. Open men’s tennis final in early September.

Unlike at some of his other stops where Trump received a mixed reaction, the president will likely enjoy a warm welcome at the Ryder Cup, which this year is being played in a Republican stronghold on Long Island.

While Scheffler said Trump may not address the U.S. Ryder Cup team ahead of the match-play competition he did hint that success on the course this week against Europe could prompt presidential communication.

“I don’t think he has any plans to address us as a team, but I’m sure if things go well, we’ll hear from him this week,” said Scheffler.

The four-times major winner also said it would not be out of the ordinary to hear from Trump this week, especially if the United States can reclaim the Ryder Cup.

“He loves the game of golf, he loves supporting golfers, and I get a call or a text from him sometimes after wins,” said Scheffler.

“He just loves the game of golf, and he’s one of those guys when you’re around him, he does such a good job of, like, feeding confidence into everybody around him.”

Scheffler added that he was particularly impressed by Trump’s treatment of people from all walks of life, describing his inclusive approach during golf events.

“Whether you’re the person serving us lunch or the caddie on the golf course or the guy who’s the president of the club that we’re at, he treats everybody like they’re the greatest person in the world,” said Scheffler.

(Reporting by Frank Pingue; Editing by Ken Ferris)