Donald Trump stops in his tracks after spotting golf star in speech | Golf | Sport

President Donald Trump appeared to lose his train of thought during a public address, abruptly veering off script when he spotted PGA golfer Keegan Bradley. The incident took an odd turn as Trump lauded Bradley as “somebody that saves lives” before returning to his original agenda.

Trump had been addressing the press at the White House, expressing his disappointment over not receiving this year’s Nobel Peace Prize – a snub he deemed unfair given his recent role in brokering ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.

He told the assembled journalists that María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan activist who was awarded the prize, had reached out to him, saying she accepted the accolade “in honour of you because you really deserved it.”

As he continued his speech, Trump amplified his self-praise. “I’m happy because I saved millions of lives, many millions of lives,” he proclaimed, echoing a claim he has made repeatedly – that he has ended multiple wars during his tenure.

Then, unexpectedly, his focus shifted. He noticed Keegan Bradley among the audience and abruptly changed course.

“And speaking of somebody that saves lives, don’t ever play golf with him because Keegan Bradley just walked in,” Trump declared.

He lauded Bradley’s stewardship as former Ryder Cup captain, recalled how the US squad nearly mounted a comeback under his command, and characterised him as “respected by those golfers like nobody.”

Bradley was reportedly in attendance as a guest, having received an earlier endorsement from Trump to serve as a “playing captain” for the US Ryder Cup team.

Trump’s endorsement wasn’t merely rhetoric; his connections with golf are well-established, possessing several courses globally and being actively engaged in the sport’s governance.

Officials confirmed that Trump would be present at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, making him the first sitting US president to do so.

In expectation of potential disturbances similar to when Trump attended the US Open tennis final in New York, organisers implemented heightened security measures, including additional screening areas and instructions for spectators to arrive early.

US team members seemed to welcome his backing.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler believed Trump’s presence would “feed confidence” and galvanise the home crowd.

Bradley also expressed his appreciation, describing the president’s presence as “incredible” and an honour for the team.

However, not everyone agreed with Trump’s public suggestions. Despite Trump’s encouragement to include himself as a player, Bradley ultimately declined the role, choosing to concentrate solely on his captain duties.

This article first appeared on Mirror US.