Donald Trump is the latest U.S. president to attend the festivities at the international biennial match-play competition, the Presidents Cup, doing so for a second time.
The competition features a 12-man American squad vs. a 12-man International team.
Sunday morning, Air Force One made its approach in the Chicagoland area and did a flyover at Medinah Country Club.
After touching down, Trump's motorcade made its way to Medinah, host of the 16th Presidents Cup.
Trump spoke briefly with reporters after landing in Chicago, saying, “You'll be seeing the best players, the best golfers anywhere in the world. It's going to be great. I think for those of you that don't play, you'll get it," he said ahead of his arrival to Medinah.
Fans were alerted 12 hours
prior to expect delays and enhanced security measures and additional restrictions.
Gates opened at 8 a.m. and fans quickly filled the first tee, though, in anticipation of an American comeback. The U.S. started the final day down 10½ to 7½.
Trump walked out to the trophy stand at the first tee at Medinah to loud cheers and some lesser scattered boos that were drowned out by "U-S-A!" chants. He was then introduced by the CEO of the PGA Tour, Brian Rolapp.
Golfweek reported Saturday that Trump had requested to speak at the first tee for 15 minutes before the start of play but that didn't occur. Instead, Trump made some brief remarks, joking he was not brave enough to subject the crowd to a speech, then jabbed at the "fake news media", whom he joked would report he received a poor reception, before posing for pictures.
A few fans chanted out "four more years" in the stands behind him before Trump smiled and waved to the crowd a few more times, then departed.
Trump then hung out on the first tee, shaking hands with each U.S. player ahead of their opening tee shots.
A month ago, Trump accepted the role of honorary chairman for Presidents Cup, a tradition he is continuing. Previous Presidents Cup honorary chairs:
- 2024 – Prime Minister Justin Truedeau, Canada
- 2022 – 46th U.S. President, Joe Biden
- 2019 – Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Australia
- 2017 – 45th U.S. President, Donald Trump
- 2015 – President Park Geun-hye, South Korea
- 2013 – 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama
- 2011 – Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Australia
- 2009 – 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama
- 2007 – Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canada
- 2005 – 43rd U.S. President, George W. Bush
- 2003 – President Thabo Mbeki, South Africa
- 2000 – 42nd U.S. President, Bill Clinton
- 1998 – Prime Minister John Howard, Australia
- 1996 – 41st U.S. President, George H.W. Bush
- 1994 – 38th U.S. President, Gerald Ford
Keep up with Golfweekall weekend for all the latest news from the 2026 Presidents Cup.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Air Force One does flyover at Medinah, Donald Trump visits first tee at Presidents Cup
