2025 US Ryder Cup team players to be paid $4 million for the first time in history- Reports
For the first time in Ryder Cup history, players will be paid for their services. Starting in 2025, golfers will make a portion of $4 million for representing the United States. In the entire history of the event, no player has been paid, as it was always considered to be an honor to represent one's country.
The $4 million is allotted to the entire team, but it breaks down to about $400,000 for each golfer. That's similar to winning a non-Signature Event on the PGA Tour. This has not been confirmed but is likely to be put forward and ratified shortly after.
This was a major talking point at the 2023 Cup. There was also some controversy involving Patrick Cantlay's hat. He wasn't wearing it because he told the media it didn't fit, but there was speculation about whether or not it actually was a form of silent protest about players not being paid.
In 2025, that won't be an issue. However, Cantlay did wear a hat in the Presidents Cup because they found one that fit his head properly.
Europeans adamant they don't want payment for Ryder Cup
While the United States is looking to pay players to compete in the Ryder Cup, the European side is seemingly not really interested in that. In fact, one European star told Telegraph that they don't want payment to take part in the prestigious event.
They said:
“They can do whatever they want. But we don’t want payments in our bank accounts, as it’ll be the thin end of the wedge and is not what the Ryder Cup is about. Let’s face it, a lot of the American players have been angling towards this for years, if not decades. If it does go ahead, then it will be interesting to see how the fans react at Bethpage, although they’ll probably announce it as just an extension of what already happens.”
It is unclear if the European governing body will follow the United States' suit or if it will keep the pay structure, or lack thereof, in keeping with the players' desires.