The argument over whether Ryder Cup players should be paid feels like it has been rumbling on for almost as long as the 97-year event itself.
Those in favor of rewarding the golfers pointing out that the sheer amount of money being generated has to be shared with the heroes of the hour and those against stating that the historic honor of representing your nation (or group of nations) should vastly outweigh one week of pay.
As it stands, neither are paid, but Team USA’s dozen receives $200,000 with half going to a charity of their choice and the other 50% heading to a particular golfing initiative chosen ahead of time by the PGA of America.
On the other side of the tee box, Team Europe’s men receive a unique gift each time they are called up – such as a personalized Rolex watch – in a tradition kicked off by Tony Jacklin in 1983.
Until now, the discussion over whether a direct check should find its way into the individual players’ swollen bank accounts has dealt with hypotheticals and allowed anyone with even a modest interest in the sport to play over-arching commissioner for a moment.
Patrick Cantlay gestures at his non-existent cap during the 2023 Ryder Cup
(Image credit: Getty Images)
However, a report from The Telegraph’s James Corrigan has stated that Ryder Cup golfers – or at least the American ones – are set to be paid to the tune of $400,000 each whenever they pull on the Stars and Stripes moving forward.
Below, four of the Golf Monthly team share their views on Team USA reportedly getting set to earn appearance fees at the Ryder Cup.
Nick Bonfield
I’ll admit to being torn on this subject, but my initial feeling was one of disappointment. At a time when many are being turned away from the game because of the incessant and distasteful discourse around money, it’s not ideal that the sport’s biggest event has succumbed to such rhetoric.
The Ryder Cup is frequently touted as a tournament where players compete for the passion, rivalry and history, which all supposedly transcend remuneration. However, I do understand the arguments for the players being paid.
An awful lot of people and organisations make an awful lot of money from the Ryder Cup, so why shouldn’t the main protagonists? They’re the foundations upon which the event is built.
But I do hope that if…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Golf Monthly…