The PGA of America has officially approved a scheme which will see American players paid to appear in the Ryder Cup for the first time in 2025.
A financial package of $500,000 will be sent to all of the 12 golfers included in the biennial contest from now on, with the captain also receiving half-a-million dollars. The PGA of America board met last week and gave the green light to the plans, which were unveiled on Monday.
Each player had previously been awarded $200,000 to forward on to a charity of their choice, an idea that was born in 1999. But – under the terms of the new agreement – this total has been increased to $300,000.
Meanwhile, every player will earn a $200,000 stipend, starting at Bethpage in 2025, breaking with a tradition which has been in existence since the first competition in 1927.
In a statement released on its social media channels announcing the news, the PGA of America said that “no player asked to be compensated” and that “the players and captains, past and present, are responsible for the Ryder Cup becoming the most special competition in golf and one of the most in-demand events on the international sports scene.”
A Statement from the PGA of America on the 2025 Ryder Cup 🏆https://t.co/osnhWC9vgHDecember 16, 2024
The PGA of America’s message concluded by saying: “We are grateful to the many players and captains through the years who have so passionately represented our country and look forward to a memorable 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.”
Current US captain Keegan Bradley has already announced that he will be giving his entire sum to charity – a figure that represented a 10th-place finish at the 2024 PGA Championship.
Days before the announcement was made public, it was reported by Sports Illustrated and The Telegraph that 12 former Ryder Cup captains had signed a letter to the PGA of America asking that the governing body pull back on plans to pay players.
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 former Ryder…
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