Former American Ryder Cup captains send letter to PGA of America about $400,000 player compensation - Reports
As many as 12 former captains of the Ryder Cup Team USA signed and sent a letter after the report that each player would be paid $400,000 for their appearance on the team according to Sports Illustrated. Their goal is to organize against this change.
One captain, who preferred to remain anonymous, said (via SI):
“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 players had previously been given $200,000 to donate to whatever charity they chose. Now, they'll earn double that and can keep it for themselves as compensation if they so choose.
The captain added that it would be "something else" if the money was going to charity and not to the players' pockets. Current captain Keegan Bradley said (via SI):
“What I can say is that not a single player has asked for this, has come to me with this. No player was part of this. Zero percent.”
Several players, on both the American and European sides, have come out since the report and said that they didn't necessarily want to be paid. Some, like Rory McIlroy, even said they'd be willing to pay to join their respective side.
Keegan Bradley lamented Ryder Cup payment leak
As of right now, there is no guarantee that Ryder Cup players will be paid. The reports stated that the PGA of America was going to implement this, but they and captain Keegan Bradley have maintained that it's not finalized.
Last week, Bradley said (via SI):
“To be honest with you, there’s not much to talk about; these leaks that came out were ... leaks. I was shocked to see the leaks, as was the PGA of America. As was everybody involved. There’s been nothing that’s been finalized, done. This is all speculation at this point. I was definitely disappointed that someone leaked out that information. That was a shock, for sure.”
The conversation has dominated golf for a while. Even Tiger Woods, who hasn't competed in the Cup in years, said he's fine with more money but still wants to see it go to charity and not players:
“The Ryder Cup itself makes so much money, why can't we allocate it to various charities? And what’s wrong with each player, 12 players getting a million dollars and the ability to divvy out to amazing charities that they’re involved in that they can help out?"
The majority of players seem generally opposed to being paid themselves, but this was a huge source of controversy at the 2023 Ryder Cup.