Trump’s Fiery Pep Talk Fuels USA Team to Historic Presidents Cup Comeback

In the excitement of the most thrilling comeback in the history of the Presidents Cup, United States captain Brandt Snedeker took a moment on national television to give someone who didn’t swing a club all the credit.“One last shoutout to President Trump,” Mr. Snedeker told NBC Sports. “He told me, ‘I’m going to bring some energy for you guys, you guys need it.’ I told him if we did this, he gets all the credit, so thank you President Trump.”Whether it was skill, the support of a raucous Chicago crowd or a “Win One for the Gipper,” pre-game speech by President Trump, the United States, facing its largest deficit ever, delivered the most lopsided singles session in Presidents Cup history.Trailing by three points, the United States won nine of 12 matches, halved another, for a decisive 17-13 triumph over the Internationals on Sunday at Medinah Country. It was the Americans’ 11 straight win in the competition, improving to 14-1-1 across 16 meetings.Mr. Snedeker went from blaming himself for the deficit the United States faced after three days of team matches to praising his players and the President, who reportedly delivered a fiery pre-game speech after arriving at Medinah Country to serve as the honorary chairman.Win One for the GipperGolf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee reported that before the singles matches began Mr. Trump looked each player on the American team in the eye “and told them they are going to win – no doubt, no debate.’ He said America expects that trophy back and that this group has what it takes to deliver it.”Mr. Trump, an avid golfer and huge fan, then offered a caveat if they pulled off the historic comeback. The U.S. team, players and staff, would get an invitation for a full weekend stay at the White House. “Team USA just got its biggest locker-room speech of the year,” Mr. Chamblee reported.A Trump-loving galleryBefore the first ball was struck, Mr. Trump walked to the first tee to chants of “USA…USA” and was greeted by PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp.“It’s our honor to have President Trump serving as honorary chairman for a second time,” Mr. Rolapp said, noting he served in the same role in 2017 at Liberty National during his first term. Mr. Trump bathed in the warm reception of the golf-loving crowd.“The fake news media will say I got a very bad reception,” Mr. Trump joked before adding a political spin. “Our country is doing great, better than ever before. Now I just want to see our players play their hearts out. It’s going to be an interesting day of golf.”Two key matches flipped on the back nine to give the Americans momentum and energize the home fans. Collin Morikawa beat one of the Internationals seasoned veterans, Hideki Matsuyama, 1-up, and 21-year-old Jackson Koivun, a controversial captain’s pick, surged from 2-down after 10 holes to a 2-up victory over Si Woo Kim.From there it was a Red, White and Blue blowout, offering a much-different aftermath than at the 2012 Ryder Cup played at Medinah where Europe rallied from a 10-6 deficit to claim the Cup.“I told the guys last night that funny stuff happens here,” Mr. Snedeker, a member of the 2012 Ryder Cup team, said. “Sure enough, they went out and played their tails off. I’m so damn proud of those guys.”Kid Koivun ShinesMr. Snedeker chose Mr. Koivun with one of his six captain’s picks, selecting the rookie over higher-ranked veterans like J.J. Spaun. Four months removed from helping Auburn to the NCAA title, he was two down after 10 holes against Mr. Kim. But the second-youngest player ever on a U.S. roster, won three straight holes, and finished on the 18th with a perfect approach shot where he twirled his 8-iron, knowing he had secured his much-needed point.“I put him in a big spot, a really big spot,” Mr. Snedeker said. “That was a massive match. If we were going to have any chance, he had to win that match. The guys were cheering in the room last night when we made that decision to put him in that spot. The whole team went crazy because they knew they wanted the kid to go up against Si Woo, and he delivered in a big way. I’m super proud of him. The kid is special.”Mr. Koivun finished his first team appearance as a professional as the only undefeated American player., going 2-0-1. “It’s just been such a cool learning experience,” he said. “Being under Captain Snedeker and being around all these guys is so cool, and obviously to come out on top after a large deficit is just a feeling I can explain.”Passing Out Another TrophyMr. Trump took part in the trophy presentation after the matches, taking a moment to shake the hand of every American player and coaching staff. “They played unbelievable golf,” Mr. Trump said. “They went in with a massive deficit and came out with a tremendous victory. Just a great comeback, one of the biggest ever. It was a great tournament and it was an honor to be involved.” Mr. Trump’s presence at a winning Presidents Cup continued what has been a year where his attendance or association with a sporting event has left a positive imprint on his legacy. He was there was Indiana’s thrilling win over Miami for the College Football Playoff National Championship, saw the PGA Tour returning to Trump National Doral in March, sate cage side for the UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, was prominent for the successful 2026 FIFA World Cup, and waved the checked flag at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in August.He also had the best seat in the house for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, the Irish Open in Dublin earlier this month and the Texas vs. Tennessee college football game last week.His attendance at sporting events always draws a strong reaction from boos to cheers at the venue and on social media. Some blasted Mr. Snedeker for giving Mr. Trump credit for the Americans victory. One writer posted: “Pretty crazy going from being indifferent on Brandt to losing all respect for him.”Another wrote, “That’s a buzzkill. The narcissist in Chief wants accolades for everything.”Others supported the President: “Well, it’s called Presidents Cup” after all.The American players seemed to welcome his support. Now it’s on to the White House for a weekend.

Trump’s Fiery Pep Talk Fuels USA Team to Historic Presidents Cup Comeback

Trump’s Fiery Pep Talk Fuels USA Team to Historic Presidents Cup Comeback

More from the New York Sun

In the Company of Nazi Evil

Pope Leo’s Triomphe Français

Trump Goes All In on AI as Washington Battles Over Safety, China and Big Tech

Hasan Piker, Depicting Himself as the Zoomer Rush Limbaugh, Twists the Legacy of Talk Radio Titan

Andy Burnham’s Ministry of Truth

Confessions of a Recovering Hollywood Columnist

‘We got them:’ Trump Crows as Potential Terror Plot Targeting U.S. Air Force Foiled Outside London

Israel v. Republic of Ireland Soccer Match Ends With Ireland on Top, Relations in Tatters

More from the New York Sun

In the Company of Nazi Evil

Pope Leo’s Triomphe Français

Trump Goes All In on AI as Washington Battles Over Safety, China and Big Tech

Hasan Piker, Depicting Himself as the Zoomer Rush Limbaugh, Twists the Legacy of Talk Radio Titan

Andy Burnham’s Ministry of Truth

Confessions of a Recovering Hollywood Columnist

‘We got them:’ Trump Crows as Potential Terror Plot Targeting U.S. Air Force Foiled Outside London

Israel v. Republic of Ireland Soccer Match Ends With Ireland on Top, Relations in Tatters