Trump Returns to Presidents Cup as Honorary Chairman
The former president attended the golf event for the second time during his presidency, emphasizing its significance.
President Donald Trump made his fourth visit to a golf tournament this year, attending the Presidents Cup as its honorary chairman. Trump was present at the Medinah Country Club in the Chicago suburbs on Sunday, marking his second appearance at the Presidents Cup during his presidency.
Trump previously attended the 2017 Presidents Cup at Liberty National, an event where the American team had a near-certain victory. During that appearance, he posed with the U.S. players during the trophy presentation. This time, his schedule included being on the first tee for the start of the 12 matches and remaining until the last match teed off.
The Presidents Cup, a team golf competition, began in 1994 to include international players from non-European countries who were ineligible for the Ryder Cup. The tournament's name reflects the tradition of inviting the head of state of the host country to serve as honorary chairman.
Trump commented on his role, telling reporters as he left the White House, "They were nice enough to name me chairman or honorary chairman, so it’s an honor. It’s a very big event, one of the biggest events in golf by far."
Previous presidents have also held the honorary chairman role. President Bill Clinton attended one round in 2000, and in 2017, Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama were together at the first tee for the opening round.
Trump's other golf tournament attendances this year include the Cadillac Championship at his Trump National Doral near Miami in early May, the LIV Golf event at his Trump National Bedminster course in New Jersey in August, and the Irish Open at his course in Doonbeg, Ireland, earlier in the month.