Aside from possibly the white-hot atmosphere that is expected at Bethpage Black over the coming days, arguably no other subject has been discussed more in the build-up than Ryder Cup pay.
So much has been written about Ryder Cup players earning increased financial rewards at the 2025 event and beyond, with both sides standing firm in regard to their respective beliefs.
On the US side, Ryder Cup captain, Keegan Bradley has continued to stoutly defend the PGA of America’s decision to give each member of his team $500,000 – $200,000 of which is a stipend.
Meanwhile, opposing skipper, Luke Donald has reiterated the overwhelming European viewpoint that financial rewards are not necessary during the most prestigious of national competitions.
Regardless of whether teams or players wish to bank a check at the end of the week or not, the decision has been made. That leads to the question of whether it is fair that US golfers are being paid at all?
Four Golf Monthly writers have had their say…
The issue of Ryder Cup pay is, unsurprisingly, a newsworthy topic this week, but I feel it is being blown out of proportion. I understand every side of the argument but find it difficult to really care – I don’t think it is a big deal at all.
I can barely imagine how much money the Ryder Cup makes, so payment to the players in this modern sports world is completely fair. It is great that Keegan Bradley – and the majority of his team by the sound of it – are giving their money to charity and their foundations so, if anything, it should be celebrated.
Even if some players keep their $200,000 stipend, they still have to give the other $300,000 to charity. Europe’s players not wanting to be paid is truly commendable and the reason is largely to support the DP World Tour, a circuit that helped every European Ryder Cup player become the golfer they are today.
Perhaps Europe’s side should be given the same next time around, too. Look, they’re all multi, multi-millionaires so so a $200,000 stipend really isn’t a big deal to any of them.
No Ryder Cup player is going to try or care any less this week if they are or aren’t being paid so let’s commend the Americans for supporting charities and the Europeans for supporting their tour and put the financial side to the back of…
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