Several Presidents Cup stars have welcomed Donald Trump's expected appearance at the competition's final round this weekend. The biennial event got underway on Thursday, with the US squad looking to secure its 11th straight victory against the International team.
US President Trump will likely be in attendance at Medinah Country Club this Sunday as the action wraps up. The PGA Tour is reportedly planning for Trump to be at Medinah No.3, located outside Chicago, after he spends Saturday in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the Texas-Tennessee college football game.
Players share their views on Trump's visit
Trump was named the honorary chairman of the Presidents Cup last month, joining six other presidents who have also held the title. The 80-year-old is an avid golfer and a fan of the sport. His appearance will also be a first by a sitting US president at the event since his last visit in 2017, and he is reportedly expected to ride in his own custom Team USA golf cart.
Despite the division that currently grips US politics and the president having his fair share of outspoken critics, it appears the Team USA contingent largely agree that Trump's appearance on Sunday will be positive.
Sam Burns, who has played golf with Trump several times, said: "Being an American, I think it's very important that we do support our president, regardless of your political views. I think if you look at our country now, it seems more divided than ever, and hopefully we can get back to the point where all Americans come together, and we're all trying to kind of reach the same goal."
Players express excitement over presidential attendance
Wyndham Clark, who won the US Open this year, commented: "Being an American, having the President of the United States come and watch you play golf is something, as a kid, you don't ever imagine or fathom happening. I just think it's pretty amazing."
Two-time major winner Xander Schauffele added: "I'm sure Secret Service wasn't pumped that he made an early announcement on where he's going to be, but they'll do a nice job to keep him safe. It's awesome that our president loves golf and supports USA."
Heightened security measures and larger crowds are expected as a result of Trump's presence when the United States and International teams conclude this year's competition. The president attended the final round of the PGA Tour's Cadillac Championship, held at Trump National Doral in Miami in May, as well as Game 3 of the NBA Finals and the World Cup final.
Eight-time PGA Tour winner Patrick Cantlay also spoke about Trump's scheduled appearance, saying: "I think it would be great to have the President out and hopefully gets the crowd going. I'm expecting the crowd to be loud and behind us this week and that's what makes playing home team events so fun."
New PGA Tour sensation Jackson Koivun added: "Obviously he's a huge supporter of golf, and at the end of the day it's cool to see the President show up for an event like this."
Finally, Chris Gotterup said: "I think everyone, you know, whoever the president is, if they care enough to come watch us play golf, that's pretty cool. So I know we're excited, and we're going to go try to put on a good performance for everyone."
