On Wednesday afternoon, New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul was loudly booed at the Ryder Cup opening ceremonies at Bethpage Black golf course on Long Island. As NBC broadcaster Carson Daly announced the list of attendees, the crowd erupted in audible reactions when Hochul’s presence was revealed. While some fans around her applauded as she waved an American flag, others were clearly upset, with one person shouting, ‘Get outta here Kathy!’ Hochul, who has faced criticism for her handling of various state issues, maintained her composure throughout the incident.
The negative reception from the crowd was met with mockery from Republican Representative Elise Stefanik, who posted on social media, calling the boos ‘brutal.’ Stefanik further criticized Hochul, suggesting that the boos were a sign of a ‘bad day for the worst governor in America.’ While some viewers may have interpreted the event as a political statement, Hochul’s presence seemed to be more about her involvement in the event than a political platform.
Hochul’s attendance at the Ryder Cup came two days ahead of President Donald Trump’s scheduled arrival for the tournament. Trump, known for his friendly relationship with golf players, has previously golfed with members of both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. His involvement in the event is seen as a way to foster better relations between the two golfing organizations, which have faced tensions in recent years. Trump’s presence at the tournament is expected to be significant, as he plans to attend the first tee before the competition officially begins.
Meanwhile, U.S. captain Keegan Bradley confirmed that Trump will be at the first tee during the opening day of the tournament. The event is a major international golf competition, and the U.S. team will be looking to defend their title against Team Europe. As the tournament approaches, the focus remains on the players and their preparations, rather than the political elements that have surfaced in conjunction with the event.
Scottie Scheffler, a key player on the U.S. team, spoke about the importance of Trump’s presence at the event, stating that it is a positive for the country given the recent events that have taken place. Scheffler emphasized that Trump’s support for the U.S. team, both on and off the course, has been a significant factor in their ability to perform at their best. The U.S. team is expected to have a strong showing at the Ryder Cup, and the presence of Trump is seen as an added boost for the players.
As the Ryder Cup approaches, the focus will remain on the golfers and the excitement of the event. While the political reactions from the audience have been notable, the main priority for all involved is the competition itself. The tournament is expected to draw significant attention, and the players will be looking to make a strong impression on home soil, with the support of fans and the presence of the former president adding an extra layer of significance to the event.