A dozen former US Ryder Cup captains have reportedly signed and sent a letter addressed to the PGA of America urging the governing body to pull back on alleged plans to pay players at the famous biennial event.
A story first published by The Telegraph in November claimed that a proposal had been drawn up to break with a 100-year tradition and financially reward the American golfers with a $4 million total payout – starting at the 2025 event in New York.
Previously, since 1999, anyone in the exclusive group of elite players taking on Team Europe had been given a $200,000 check which was then donated to a charity of their choice.
That decision was made over concerns of a potential boycott at the time, with then-captain Ben Crenshaw integral in ensuring the Cup took place as planned while easing tensions by introducing the charitable aspect.
However, the conversation around paying players directly has gained momentum over the past two decades – finally coming to a head at the 2023 event at Marco Simone when a report claimed Patrick Cantlay was not wearing a hat in protest over the issue.
Cantlay after winning his Saturday afternoon fourball tie at the 2023 Ryder Cup
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Cantlay has always strongly denied that theory and insisted he simply could not find a cap that fit, but the issue has since rumbled on.
Now, a fresh report from Sports Illustrated says that 12 significant names in the world of American Ryder Cup history – which The Telegraph have said includes Crenshaw, Tom Watson and Tom Lehman – feel so strongly that the contest should be about pride and passion only, they have made an attempt to try and dissuade the PGA of America before a final decision is made.
Speaking anonymously to Sports Illustrated, one ex-US skipper said: “This was never intended to get out. This was done with the idea that you should play for your country and not reap financial benefit.
“We are trying to honor those who came before us and honor the Ryder Cup. It’s given us a lot of great moments in our lives. We’ve just wanted to show support.”
The same person also went on to say that they have no issue with the total being increased, as long as the money all goes to good causes.
They said: “If this $400,000 went to charity, that’s something else. Whatever they do,…
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