President Donald Trump temporarily froze action during LIV Golf's New York tournament when his helicopter arrived beside the 18th hole and forced the final group to pause their approach shots
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LIV Golf New York's closing action on Sunday was temporarily stalled to nothing thanks to President Donald Trump.
LIV Golf set up shop at Trump's National Golf Club Bedminster over the weekend, but play stopped on 18 as the final group waited for his helicopter to land. Trump spent the weekend at the New Jersey course while LIV's $30 million event played out.
Trump's exit came just as Joaquin Niemann, Harold Varner III and Lee Westwood made up the last group and prepared to hit their approaches into the closing par-five. Meanwhile, Trump crossed paths with Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan during the event.
Trump took part in the festivities before leaving and rode around Bedminster in a golf cart while high-fiving supporters and drawing shouts of "I love you, President Trump!" and "Thanks 47" from his fanbase.
The hole 18 helicopter interruption lasted a few minutes as spectators leaned over the ropes and tournament personnel pointed phones at the sky. Bedminster's 18th is a 662-yard par five with a wide landing area and water guarding a long green.
Trump's helicopter dropped behind the LIV Golf signs near the course. Players on 18 waited with clubs in hand before Niemann closed out the individual title as Trump's ride disappeared.
Reporters then captured the president's aircraft departing the grounds, with Roll Call reporting that Trump returned to the White House for in-town pool call duties scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET.
Trump's presence during the tournament drew attention throughout the weekend, including a cheerful reception during Saturday's third round and another golf-cart appearance on Sunday.
Trump's Bedminster course also re-entered the spotlight as fans remembered that the venue doubles as the burial place for his first wife, Ivana Trump, who was buried inside a luxury gold coffin near the venue's first tee box.
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The president was roasted recently after posting video footage of a shot and claiming victories in Bedminster's Senior and Super Senior Club Championships after shooting a 70, which is two strokes below par on both the old and new courses.
Trump's claim would have made his score better than any of the four rounds by many LIV players, including Graeme McDowell, Cleeks GC captain Martin Kaymer and Majesticks GC player Sam Horsfield.
"Commander in Cheat" author Rick Reilly believes Trump would realistically shoot around 90 at his age after spending time with the president on golf courses. Several insiders have also reported that Trump received help from his caddie with ball placement during championship rounds.