Donald Trump set to rack up huge bill at 2025 Ryder Cup as cost of trip emerges

US President Donald Trump will postpone his arrival at Bethpage Black for the Ryder Cup, though his attendance at the tournament could still rack up expenses exceeding £12million. Trump has already made high-profile appearances at FIFA's Club World Cup during the summer, where he handed the trophy to Chelsea and at the US Open in New York.

Trump's anticipated arrival on Long Island had raised concerns following his attendance at the Flushing Meadows final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, which pushed back the match by 37 minutes. This stemmed from additional security checks for spectators, creating lengthy queues outside the main show court. Despite the postponement, numerous fans still missed the opening of the final. They subsequently vented their anger at Trump by jeering him when he featured on the stadium's large screens.

The opening foursomes match at the Ryder Cup is due to commence at 7:10am ET (12:10pm BST) on Friday. Nevertheless, Trump now seems poised to turn up for the afternoon session, with four fourballs matches scheduled from 12:25pm ET (5:25pm BST).

PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague extended an invitation to Trump for the Ryder Cup "a number of weeks ago" and the eye-watering expense of the security operation is now emerging, potentially marking the largest bill in the sport's history.

According to Golf365, Trump's love for the golf course has reportedly landed US taxpayers with a bill exceeding £53m since his return to the Oval Office at the start of the year. A personal trip to one of his Scottish golf resorts set back local the police force £3.2m, with £1.6m allocated for overtime payments.

His appearance at Super Bowl LIX earlier this year racked up £14.8m in costs, whilst his quick visit to the US Open was rumoured to reach approximately £6m. Given that Air Force One operates at roughly £200,000 per hour, Trump's decision to attend the tournament could spiral to £12m, factoring in Secret Service protection, local policing, security arrangements and accommodation expenses.

European captain Luke Donald has tactfully suggested Trump's presence would benefit the competition. "I think that you have to respect the Office and the fact that he wants to come and show support is a good thing," Donald said, before adding: "He loves golf is all I'm going to say."

US captain Keegan Bradley expressed his enthusiasm about the President's forthcoming visit."I think this is going to be a sporting event to remember across any sport," he said.

"Then you add on the president of the United States standing there, I really think it's going to be something that everyone will remember forever."

Meanwhile, world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler confirmed that Trump was not scheduled to address Bradley's squad ahead of the Ryder Cup's commencement, though he offered praise for the commander-in-chief.

He said: "The president is kind of funny. He loves the game of golf. He loves supporting golfers, and I get a call or a text from him sometimes after wins.

"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. 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."