Overview

• Europe’s Luke Donald framed the contest as pride over pay, declaring his team is “fueled by something money cannot buy,” while U.S. captain Keegan Bradley vowed to make Bethpage “America’s home course.”
• The PGA of America confirmed $500,000 per U.S. player this year—$300,000 directed to charity and a $200,000 stipend—with several Americans saying they intend to donate the full amount.
• Organizers advanced the opening ceremony by a day due to forecasted rain; captains will unveil Friday morning foursomes at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday before play begins Friday.
• President Donald Trump is expected to attend Friday’s opening session, prompting heightened security as crowds of roughly 50,000 per day are anticipated at Bethpage Black.
• Team Europe returns 11 of its 12 Rome winners, leaning on continuity as it seeks a rare away victory, while Bradley’s introduction featured a slip mixing up Justin Rose and Justin Leonard’s 1999 Brookline putt.