Anthony Kim backs US stars in Ryder Cup pay controversy

Anthony Kim has backed American players over their right to be paid to play in next year’s Ryder Cup.

In a landmark and highly controversial moment in the biennial contest’s history, the PGA of America confirmed on December 16 that participants at Bethpage Blank will earn $500,000 each.

That will be split into a $300,000 donation to a charity of their choice, but the other $200,000 is being called a “stipend” that the golfers will do with what they please.

And since the Telegraph reported that compensation was indeed on the cards for US players last month, European players such as Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry have claimed they would “pay for the privilege” of playing in the Ryder Cup.

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LIV Golf’s Kim, however, has no objection to US players being paid.

“Loved @RyderCup experience but NOTHING wrong w players wanting 2 get compensated 4 working,” Kim wrote on X, responding to the controversy.

“If @PGA gave all the proceeds of the event 2 charity players might think differently.”

Kim, of course, starred in his sole Ryder Cup appearance in the American team’s thrashing of Europe at Valhalla in 2008.

The enigmatic 39-year-old returned from a 12-year recluse to play on the breakaway LIV league in 2024, but his future has not yet been decided for next season.