European Ryder Cup star puts Donald Trump in his place ahead of Bethpage visit

With Donald Trump set to make an appearance and US fans ready to crank up the volume, Robert MacIntyre delivered the coolest response of Ryder Cup week so far.

Winning a Ryder Cup away from home is one of the toughest challenges in golf. No visiting side has managed it since the Miracle at Medinah in 2012, and the American crowds have only grown louder, prouder, and rowdier with every edition.

This week in New York is expected to be more hostile than ever, with fans set to create a wall of noise and Donald Trump’s planned visit adding an extra layer of theater and tension to the build-up.

But Robert MacIntyre isn’t fazed. The Scot, playing in his second Ryder Cup after debuting in Rome in 2023, downplayed the hype around Trump and the partisan galleries.

Asked if he’d done anything special to prepare for the crowd – with Team Europe using VR headsets to simulate hostile atmospheres – MacIntyre was typically blunt.

“No, I just played golf. The crowds are here to watch us at the end of the day, whether they are for you or against you. My job is to go and play good golf, same as the rest of the European guys. And if we do our jobs well, then we’ll be happy.”

MacIntyre was encouraged by the level of support from away supporters.

“I must say, at that Opening Ceremony last night, there were a lot of European fans,” he said.

The 29-year-old added that nothing outside the ropes will rattle him.

“We can’t control them. I can control me. I can control what happens within our group. I’ve heard a few things before. I’ll hear a few things this week. But I suppose it’s part of the game.”

MacIntyre also revealed he feels far more comfortable in the team environment this time around.

“When I went to Rome, I didn’t know what to expect. But I’ve come in here knowing what to expect. The minute you walk in that team room, it’s as though you’ve known each other since you were young kids. There’s a real family feel. A real togetherness. Yeah, we’re on one mission.”

He says his debut in 2023 gave him the belief that he belongs at the very top level.

“I just think I learned that I can compete at the top level of golf. I learned so much from the equipment side of it. I changed pretty much all my equipment since Rome and I feel like my game has progressed.
I had a great partner in Rosey at the last one. But I think the last two seasons on the PGA Tour have helped me massively to be on this team and to be where I am in the world of golf.

“Yeah, let the fun begin.”

And when it comes to Trump, MacIntyre kept it short and sharp.

“Again, I just play golf. I’m not bright enough to be worrying about politics. I’m worrying more about what goes on this week on the golf course. As a European, we’ve got a job to do, and hopefully win the Ryder Cup.”

Pressed on whether Trump’s presence could be a distraction, he closed the topic with a smile.

“It’s just another spectator.”

• ‘Sour’ Morikawa rallies US fans as he calls for ‘absolute chaos’ from Bethpage crowd

• Ian Poulter slams ‘stupid’ American golf fans in passionate rant: ‘I want to taser them’