The European Ryder Cup team taunted Donald Trump after sealing victory over the United States on a weekend of acrimony at the prestigious golf tournament.
Trump flew in on Friday to root for the American team, but his presence failed to inspire the U.S. as Europe took the lead on day one and pulled further ahead over the weekend.
Despite a valiant U.S. fightback Sunday night, Europe secured the trophy thanks to a dramatic putt from Ireland’s Shane Lowry, which sparked delirious celebrations — and some light-hearted trolling of the U.S. president.
Trump posted a video clip to his Truth Social account of European players, led by Northern Irish star Rory McIlroy, chanting “Are you watching? Are you watching? Are you watching, Donald Trump?” while holding the iconic golden trophy.
In an uncharacteristically magnanimous response to the mockery, Trump replied: “Yes, I’m watching. Congratulations!”
Team Europe competes in the biennial event under the EU flag — though several key players hail from the U.K. — in the most prominent sporting competition bringing the continent together under the blue-and-yellow banner.
EU Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef, who attended the three-day event on Saturday, said: “Congratulations to the captain, vice-captains, players and all team members for this historic win. What a magnificent team effort and an achievement that fills us with pride to carry the European flag.”
Several flashpoints involving the crowd in Farmingdale, New York overshadowed play, particularly on Saturday, as spectators cursed and jeered top European players.
Extra state troopers were brought in to steward a match involving McIlroy, as the European star bore the brunt of barbed remarks from spectators.
The tournament’s emcee resigned from her role Saturday night, after an outcry followed her encouraging a chant of “f**k you, Rory” on the first tee.
Trump had backed the U.S. captain in a social media post weeks before the tournament, saying, “Keegan Bradley should DEFINITELY be on the American Ryder Cup Team — As Captain!!! He is an AMAZING guy. It will be a great Ryder Cup.”
Bradley, who was widely criticized for his tactical decisions during the event, had hoped that Trump’s Friday appearance would help arrest early European momentum.
“We just had the president fly over in Air Force One, so I got a feeling things are going to turn here,” he said, shortly before breaking into Trump’s signature campaign dance.
That turnaround failed to materialize as the European team holed dozens of crucial putts and fended off the American comeback bid on Sunday night.
Adare Manor in western Ireland will host the next Ryder Cup in 2027. The U.S. has not won the tournament on European soil since 1993.
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