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Trump disrupts Ryder Cup organization

Trump disrupts Ryder Cup organization
Credit: Getty Images
The 45th edition of the Ryder Cup is just around the corner, as the competition takes place on the Black Course at Bethpage Black State Park in Farmingdale, New York.

This is a much-anticipated golf event for fans of the sport, but the expected presence of President Donald Trump on site is sure to complicate spectators’ curtain-raising plans.

Major restrictive measures

It’s well known that when Trump attends a public event, strict security measures must be put in place to protect him from possible external threats. His presidential visit to the Ryder Cup will be no exception: expect security measures similar to those at the airport. Tournament organizers have warned ticket holders a few days in advance, so that they have some leeway to become aware of certain items that will be prohibited on the premises.

The list of prohibited items around the first tee and clubhouse includes portable folding chairs, large vaping devices, torch-type lighters, as well as insulated metal or rigid plastic beverage containers. Large umbrellas are also prohibited, although small retractable models are permitted, subject to restrictions in certain areas of the course and main grandstand, where the use of rain ponchos is strongly recommended.

Rangefinders will be strictly forbidden on the golf course on Friday September 26, and all bags, personal effects and their contents will be subject to inspection.

Finally, laptops and tablets will not be allowed inside the Bethpage Black course.

Not the first and not the last

His appearance at the Presidents’ Cup in 2017 also caused a stir, having resorted to bulletproof glass in place of regular windows. Trump is no stranger to visiting golf courses, having set foot on a total of 60 sites since the start of his second term, according to didtrumpgolftoday.com.

(Photo credit should read NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images)
Not to mention his high-profile appearances at the Superbowl last February and the ATP US Open recently.

Trump’s presence had caused a delay of around 50 minutes, by the way.

Ryder Cup savior?

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt was full of praise for the American president, claiming that he saved the Ryder Cup tournament.

According to Leavitt, the executive order signed by Donald Trump to prevent a strike at the Long Island Rail Road, one of North America’s most important mass transit systems, saved the tournament from a serious setback. This rail service remains the most convenient way to access the competition site, located in the heart of Long Island.

Despite the accessibility of the LIRR, logistical constraints seem unavoidable, especially as the competition is due to open in front of a massive crowd estimated at 50,000 spectators…

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