Donald Trump acts as United States’ chief cheerleader at Ryder Cup

Donald Trump acted as the United States’ chief cheerleader as they looked to fight back on the opening day of the Ryder Cup.

The golf-loving president arrived at Bethpage Black after Europe opened the latest edition of the biennial contest with an impressive 3-1 win in the first foursomes session at the New York course.

Trump headed to the first tee ahead of the afternoon fourballs and was greeted with cheers by a patriotic crowd before taking up position behind a transparent screen.

His presence prompted chants of “USA” before a playing of the national anthem was accompanied by a military aircraft flyover.

Having watched Scottie Scheffler, who acknowledged the president with a fist pump, and JJ Spaun tee off their first match against Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka, Trump left his box and went down the tunnel towards the clubhouse.

He was next seen walking alongside Bryson DeChambeau to the tee alongside his partner Ben Griffin for their match with Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose.

Trump is friends with DeChambeau, having appeared in one of the LIV golfer’s YouTube videos and nodded approvingly when DeChambeau thundered a drive down the first fairway.

Trump stood behind the teebox as US captain Keegan Bradley – who had earlier bowed down in front of the president – embraced him before a warm chat while he also had a discussion with Europe captain Luke Donald.

He then returned to his box and helped whip up the crowd by jigging along to the Village People’s YMCA.

Once the final matches had teed off, the president briefly orchestrated more chants of “USA” and shook hands with members of the largely pro-Trump crowd before leaving the area.

The presidential visit had led to a huge increase in security measures at Bethpage.

Gates were opened at 5am to allow fans ample time to clear screening and take up their position on the course. Spectators were also banned from bringing a number of items onto the property.