US and European players’ differing use of $500,000 Ryder Cup pay emerging as point of tension
The PGA of America’s choice to pay each Ryder Cup player and captain $500,000—splitting it between $300,000 for charity and a $200,000 personal stipend—has sparked early drama as the big event kicks off at Bethpage Black this week.
Team Europe’s captain, Luke Donald, shared with Sky Sports on Monday that he chatted with his 12 players in Rome once word got out about Team USA’s new plan. Everyone agreed: “This isn’t a week to get paid.” Donald emphasized that the thrill of the Ryder Cup experience means way more to them than a few hundred grand. Even former Team USA captain Tom Watson chimed in during a Golf Channel interview, saying he doesn’t buy into the idea either.
US captain Keegan Bradley faced a barrage of questions on the issue during his pre-tournament presser Monday. Critics point out the awkward optics—one side playing for free, the other cashing in—but Bradley stood firm. “I’m not worried about what Europe does or thinks,” he said. “My focus is on my team. The PGA of America gave me a job, and we decided this brings the Ryder Cup into the modern era. It’s the right move.”
For years, Team USA golfers have received $200,000 per Ryder Cup since 1999, all earmarked for charity donations. Bradley plans to give away his full $500,000, but he kept quiet on what his players might do. “That’s a personal choice,” he explained. “I don’t shout about my donations—these guys on the team are amazing at giving back through their foundations. A lot prefer to keep it private, and I get that.”
On the course Monday, Team USA hit practice rounds with stars like Bryson DeChambeau grouping up with Ben Griffin, Justin Thomas, and Cameron Young. Another foursome included Harris English, Russell Henley, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, and J.J. Spaun. Sam Burns, Patrick Cantlay, Collin Morikawa, and Xander Schauffele rounded out the third group.
Team Europe skipped Monday’s practice but scouted Bethpage last week, teeing off for nine holes that day and a full 18 on Tuesday.
Adding some flair, Europe’s players rocked salmon polos with burgundy sleeves during their Monday walkaround—a throwback to their 1987 road win at Muirfield Village. They’ll switch to white with yellow sleeves (nod to 1995 at Oak Hill) on Tuesday, yellow with blue (2004 at Oakland Hills) on Wednesday, and maroon with navy (2012 at Medinah) on Thursday.
Donald knows the road ahead looks tough. “This will be a real challenge,” he said. “We haven’t come close to winning three of the last four away Ryder Cups—it’s been lopsided. My job is to close that gap. But it motivates the team because it’s been done before, and we’re here to make it happen again.”
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