DORAL — Donald Trump's arrival The arrival at his resort near Miami on Thursday afternoon was postponed because Marine One, the U.S. Marine Corps helicopter conveying the president from Miami International Airport to Trump National Doral, experienced a flat tire.
The tire was swiftly fixed, and just 25 minutes following Air Force One landing roughly five miles east of Doral, Trump reached the course. As he arrived, the helicopter released a spray of water during its descent near the ninth green of the Blue Monster—a venue identical to one where he had been previously. LIV Golf's 54-hole event starts Friday.
Trump and multiple U.S. Secret Service agents boarded one of around twelve golf carts ready for their group. The president swiftly moved from the green to the clubhouse, which had sharpshooters stationed atop the roof. Initially, they drove past the rear terrace area, with Trump waving at enthusiastic supporters, most wearing iconic red Make America Great Again caps and tops. Afterward, he got out of the vehicle and strolled across the grass toward an entryway located off to the side.
Subsequently, Trump was anticipated to join a dinner with LIV golf players.
I believe I am going to address the players," Trump stated while on board Air Force One. "Outstanding players. Among the very best globally.
LIV's Bryson DeChambeau, One of Trump's most prominent backers amongst professional golfers was getting back together with his acquaintance during the meal.
In November, after Trump secured the presidency at the Palm Beach Convention Center, DeChambeau was present on stage with him. Additionally, he participated in a game of golf alongside Trump during the previous summer as part of the golfer's YouTube initiative called "Break 50."
It will be quite an honor for everyone involved to be present," DeChambeau stated shortly before Trump arrived. "He clearly has maintained excellent ties with LIV, and it’s enjoyable to compete on his golf courses. We have greatly appreciated his generosity in allowing us to use his golf facilities.
I've really loved spending time with him. He’s quite intelligent and notices details that many others miss. For me, it's enjoyable simply being his friend, hanging out, playing golf, and enjoying his company. My aim isn’t to seek anything beyond offering help whenever possible, speaking constructively when able, and ideally contributing to making the world a more positive place.
Ron DeSantis and Eric Trump participated in Thursday's LIV Pro-Am event.
DeChambeau had hoped for Trump to participate in Thursday's Pro-Am event, alongside Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Trump’s son Eric. However, he realized that security concerns probably made this impossible.
He’s unquestionably fearless," DeChambeau stated. "If anyone had advised him against it, he still would have competed today.
Trump has appeared at two of the previous three LIV events at Doral and participated in the Pro-Am two years ago. This is the first time he made an appearance as president.
Certainly, one subject for conversation during the dinner will revolve around Trump's involvement in the negotiations between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. Representatives from each side have met twice with Trump at the White House, yet they apparently still have significant differences.
"In the end, ideally, these two tours will come together, and I’m also part of those efforts,” he said to journalists aboard Air Force One. “We have the PGA Tour and the LIV tour, and merging them would be beneficial.”
DeChambeau acknowledged that the discussions are currently not progressing smoothly.
He will have an impact, though I'm unsure of the extent of his influence; however, ideally, we might reach some form of agreement," DeChambeau stated. "Currently, things are challenging as individuals tend to stick to their own methods, making negotiations somewhat harder.
We'll sort it out eventually.
Following the meal, Trump planned to travel to West Palm Beach on Thursday evening and remain at Mar-a-Lago, his residence in Palm Beach, for the duration of the weekend.
This signifies the ninth occasion Trump has revisited Palm Beach County since commencing his second term as president on January 20.
Tom D'Angelo serves as a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can contact him via email at [email protected].
The article initially appeared in the Palm Beach Post. WATCH: President Trump lands at Trump National Doral aboard his helicopter, heading for the golf course.