“While no players asked to be compensated”
The PGA of America have confirmed that the US Ryder Cup players will be payed for their participation in the event in 2025.
There has been controversy surrounding the topic of players receiving compensation, given the money generated by the sport’s flagship tournament, but also the feeling that it would demean the core values of the Ryder Cup.
Last year’s tournament in Rome saw rumours swirl that Patrick Cantlay – who had a spat with Rory McIlroy during their match – did not wear a hat out of protest at not getting paid.
McIlroy and Shane Lowry recently gave their opinions on the issue, with McIlroy particularly strong, stating that he would shell out his own money to play.
He said: “I personally would pay for the privilege to play in the Ryder Cup.
“I have come a long way in this, especially with the Olympics, but the two purest forms of competition in our game right now are the Ryder Cup and Olympics, partly because of the purity of no money being involved.”
Lowry added: :”It would probably be silly of me to comment on it, really. Where would I stand on it? I can only speak for myself. I don’t really care whether I did (get paid) or not, to be honest. You know, the Ryder Cup is a privilege, and it’s what I work for.
“It’s what I’ve worked for for the last ten, 15 years, to be able to play Ryder Cups, and I’ve been fortunate to do two of them and have great experiences at them and build my brand playing Ryder Cups.
“I think, yeah, I love the tournament, and I just want to be involved. I don’t care whether I get paid or not.”
Since 1999, US players have been given $200,000 to give to a charity of their choice. This figure has been increased to $300,000, with the players receiving a $200,000 stipend on top of that to do what they want with.
In a statement, the PGA of America said: “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.
“While no players asked to be compensated, the PGA of America board of directors has voted to increase the allocation to the members of the US Ryder Cup team from $200,000 to be directed to charities – a figure unchanged since 1999 – to $500,000, with $300,000 dollars of that to be directed to the charity or charities of the players’ choice.
“The balance is a stipend.
“Golf is a long-established vehicle for good and it’s exciting to imagine the impact the members of the 2025 US Ryder Cup team will deliver for worthy causes and communities across the country, including the many initiatives that support the growth of the game.”
Next year’s event will be hosted by infamously difficult Bethpage Black, with a particularly rowdy New York crowd expected.
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