Bryson DeChambeau has called on Donald Trump to “inspire†the US team to Ryder Cup glory at Bethpage Black. DeChambeauâ€s rallying call arrived on the eve of the president making an appearance for day one of the contest between the US and Europe.
The Americanâ€s message contrasted sharply with the approach of Europeâ€s Robert MacIntyre, who shrugged off any notion Trump could influence proceedings in New York.
“I hope he [Trump] will inspire us to victory,†said DeChambeau. “I think heâ€ll be a great force for us to get a lot of people on our side. It will be interesting and exciting to see how the crowd and everybody reacts. Itâ€s going to be an electric environment.â€
It will also be a fraught one, with an intense security operation in place around Trumpâ€s visit. The president is expected to appear by the 1st tee before Friday afternoonâ€s fourball session gets under way.
MacIntyre was characteristically blunt when asked whether Trumpâ€s arrival could serve as a distraction to the European team. “Itâ€s just another spectator,†said the Scotsman. “As a European, weâ€ve got a job to do; try and compete as hard as we can and hopefully win the Ryder Cup.â€
DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy had entered into some verbal jousting before arrival at Bethpage. The Northern Irishman refused to re-enter that territory on Thursday but admitted he would relish coming up against the Californian over the three tournament days.
“Itâ€s so easy to play into narratives this week and to get swept up in rivalries, Ryder Cup and whatever it is,†McIlroy said. “All I want to do is go and try and put blue points on the board. I donâ€t care who itâ€s against.
“If I come up against Bryson at some point, I think thatâ€s great. I think thatâ€s wonderful for the championship and wonderful for us, as well, in some ways. I just want to go out there do what I can for the European team.â€
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McIlroy was effusive in his praise of the US as a country, as if to prove this golf rivalry exists in a bubble. “Itâ€s the land of opportunity,†McIlroy said. “And I still believe itâ€s the best country in the world. If you come here and work hard and dedicate yourself, you can be or do whatever you want.
“Thereâ€s a wonderful sense of work ethic. I live here, my wife is American. My daughter is American. I have a lot of affinity towards this country, and I think everyone that lives here should have that same affinity because it is a wonderful place.â€
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