Trump says he'll be at Presidents Cup at Medinah as honorary chairman

Former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that he will serve as the honorary chairman of the upcoming Presidents Cup golf tournament, set to take place at Medinah Country Club near Chicago from September 24 to 27. This marks the second consecutive year Trump will attend a major international team golf competition, following his appearance at the Ryder Cup in September at Bethpage Black on Long Island. Trump made the announcement via his social media platform, stating he accepted the role at the request of the PGA Tour and its commissioner, Brian Rolapp. The Presidents Cup, established in 1994, brings together teams representing the United States and international players from non-European countries who are not eligible for the Ryder Cup. The tournament's name reflects its tradition of having the head of state of the host nation serve as honorary chairman. In 2024, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participated in the trophy presentation at the Presidents Cup held at Royal Montreal. Trump previously attended the 2017 Presidents Cup at Liberty National, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, during his first term as president. That year, he appeared on the final day for the trophy presentation. Earlier appearances by U.S. presidents include Bill Clinton, who attended one round in 2000 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, and Gerald Ford, who served as the honorary chairman of the inaugural event in 1994. The 2017 Presidents Cup saw a notable gathering of former U.S. presidents, with Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton all present on the first tee during the opening session at Liberty National. That year, Trump joined them later for the trophy ceremony. While U.S. presidents and other heads of state often accept the honorary role, their attendance is not mandatory. Brian Rolapp, the current PGA Tour commissioner, praised Trump’s involvement, saying it continues the Presidents Cup’s tradition of uniting global leaders across different political spectrums. He added that Trump’s presence would enhance the event’s visibility internationally and support the tour’s goal of fostering unity through golf. Medinah Country Club, the venue for this year’s tournament, has a rich history in professional golf, having hosted the PGA Championship twice, the U.S. Open three times, and the 2012 Ryder Cup. Its selection underscores the significance of the event and the prestige associated with hosting such a high-profile competition. Trump’s participation follows a pattern of engagement with major sporting events, reflecting both personal interest and strategic outreach. His previous attendance at the Ryder Cup demonstrated a continued connection to elite golf competitions, even after leaving the presidency. The Presidents Cup offers a unique opportunity for him to engage with international figures in a setting that emphasizes sportsmanship and diplomacy. As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds around how Trump’s presence will influence the event’s dynamics. His involvement aligns with the Presidents Cup’s longstanding practice of inviting prominent political figures, reinforcing the tournament’s status as a bridge between sports and global leadership. With the event scheduled to begin in early October, all eyes will be on Medinah Country Club to see how this year’s edition unfolds under Trump’s honorary chairmanship.