‘Not what it’s about’: $8m money grab splits Ryder Cup in two as US shreds 98-year tradition

The US Ryder Cup team will, for the first time in nearly a century, be compensated for their participation, as the PGA of America plans to pay each American player $400,000 for the upcoming 2025 tournament at Bethpage Black in New York. This decision breaks with the longstanding tradition of playing for honor and pride, a tradition akin to the Olympic Games where athletes compete for free.

The decision appears to stem from recent controversies over payment, with the issue surfacing notably at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome. During that event, American golfer Patrick Cantlay was rumored—though he denied it—to have protested the lack of payment by opting not to wear a team hat, a move that prompted jeers from European fans. Following the event, Xander Schauffele’s father, Stefan, openly called on the PGA of America to be more transparent about revenue and to share profits with players.

The PGA of America’s move to pay players arrives at a moment when golf fans are expressing frustration over the skyrocketing cost of attending the Ryder Cup. Tickets for the 2025 event, for instance, have been priced at over $1,100 in presale.

On the European side, tradition remains the priority, with European players maintaining their commitment to represent their continent solely for the love of the game. Members of the European team have voiced their opposition to the idea of being paid, emphasizing that their focus is on passion and unity rather than financial reward. One European player told the Telegraph, “They can do whatever they want, but we don’t want payments in our bank accounts… it’s not what the Ryder Cup is about.”

Discussions about Ryder Cup payments among American players date back to 1999, when prominent golfers like Tiger Woods, Mark O’Meara, and David Duval argued that the PGA of America should direct some revenue to the players. While the organization did not pay players, it has historically contributed $200,000 per player to charity and youth golf programs. Now, however, the money will go directly to the players, realizing Woods’ long-ago wish to see them compensated.

The difference in approach between the US and Europe could stir up fan sentiment in 2025, as European supporters are likely to view their team’s stance as a return to the event’s true spirit. Bethpage Black promises to be a tough venue for Europe, with a home crowd eager to see a US victory. However, the Americans’ decision to accept payments may foster goodwill for Europe, as they adhere to a more traditional vision of the Ryder Cup.

Reflecting on this, English captain Luke Donald spoke in Rome about the importance of playing for pride: “It’s one week where you play for more than yourself… it’s all passion. I don’t think we should ever get paid.” His words resonate as Europe’s team holds fast to the Ryder Cup’s legacy, even as the Americans break with it.