As the U.S. Ryder Cup team prepares for next year’s competition, discussions surrounding potential payments for players have become a hot topic, with mixed messages from key American figures casting an awkward shadow over the event. While some U.S. players, including Scottie Scheffler and Patrick Cantlay, have publicly stated they would be happy to play for free, they have also expressed no objections to being compensated for their participation. This contradictory stance has opened the door for Europe to seize the moral high ground in the build-up to the highly anticipated competition at Bethpage in September 2025.
Last month, it was revealed that discussions were underway regarding a payment of approximately $400,000 per player for the U.S. team. This plan, which is still to be finalized pending the appointment of a new PGA of America CEO, has sparked controversy, especially given the wealth of the American players involved. At the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, players are already earning substantial sums, with the last-place finisher taking home $150,000. The optics of U.S. players demanding payment for representing their country at the Ryder Cup are unsettling, especially when contrasted with the tournament’s history as a symbol of national pride rather than financial gain.
Rory McIlroy, the outspoken European star, has been vocal about the situation, stating that he would be willing to pay to compete in the Ryder Cup. His stance drew attention, including from Tiger Woods, who recalled the 1999 Ryder Cup and the controversy that surrounded the idea of players receiving compensation. Woods, along with fellow Americans Mark O’Meara and David Duval, faced criticism for their opposition to payments back then. Today, Woods suggests the 2025 Ryder Cup players should have the option to donate any earnings to charity, though this remains an unresolved issue. If compensation is introduced, there’s no clear system for directing funds to charitable causes.
Scheffler, the world No. 1, dismissed the issue, stating that he and his fellow Americans are more than willing to compete for free, having done so in past Ryder Cups. However, he also expressed no issue with receiving money for their participation, clarifying that while they don’t play golf for money, any payment is simply a bonus to be stewarded responsibly. Other players, including Patrick Cantlay and Justin Thomas, have echoed similar sentiments, all seemingly sidestepping the question of whether payment is truly necessary for a competition rooted in national pride.
The broader optics are troubling. With ticket prices for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage set at $750 and volunteer fees at $350, many fans are growing increasingly frustrated by the growing commercialization of the event. Top American players like Scheffler, Cantlay, and Thomas have earned millions in PGA Tour winnings, with Scheffler alone collecting $71 million in official earnings. When combined with their endorsement deals, it’s no surprise that many golf fans view the idea of paying Ryder Cup participants as distasteful.
U.S. team captain Keegan Bradley also weighed in, expressing disappointment over the leak of payment discussions but failing to address the underlying issue. Meanwhile, Cantlay maintained a narrow focus on the competition itself, reiterating his commitment to representing his country and winning points. His reluctance to engage with the broader debate surrounding payment was echoed by Thomas, who admitted that it’s a “touchy subject” and acknowledged the potential backlash either way.
The reality is that no U.S. player has publicly argued against the concept of payment for participating in the Ryder Cup, despite the opportunity to make a strong case for players to volunteer their services. This refusal to take a firm stance on the issue leaves the door wide open for the Europeans, led by Luke Donald, to frame the competition as a battle between glory and money, pride and profit. The awkward questions surrounding U.S. players’ positions on payment will likely continue to haunt the team as they prepare to represent their country next year.
