Former US Ryder Cup captains try to block players being paid

A host of former American Ryder Cup captains have joined forces in an attempt to block players getting paid to play in next year’s match in New York.

It was reported by the Telegraph last month that the United States team could be remunerated to the tune of $400,000 each for teeing it up against the Europeans on Long Island.

In previous editions of the showdown, players have been given a $200,000 charity donation each, but this new stipend would not necessarily need to go to a charitable cause.

Now, however, Sports Illustrated has reported that a dozen former captains have signed a letter to the PGA of America in a bid to block the proposals.

• Tiger Woods has controversial take on Ryder Cup pay row

• Patrick Cantlay slams ‘media narrative’ in Ryder Cup row

The captains have rallied together in their disapproval of the plans, and would only want to see increased monetary payments if they were going solely to charities.

“This was never intended to get out,” a past US captain told SI, remaining anonymous.

“This was done with the idea that you should play for your country and not reap financial benefit,” the former captain said. “We are trying to honour those who came before us and honour the Ryder Cup. It’s given us a lot of great moments in our lives. We’ve just wanted to show support.”

The Ryder Cup pay debate has long been a hot topic of discussion and was reignited again at the 2023 match, where Patrick Cantlay was reported to have not worn a hat in protest – an allegation he vehemently denied.

• Former Ryder Cup star fails to land LIV move

• Major champ explains why PGA Tour ‘needs’ LIV stars to return

Xander Schauffele’s father Stefan also told reporters in Rome that “if the PGA of America is a for-profit organisation, they need to have the players share in that profit.”

The PGA of America is yet to comment on the pay issue, with new captain Keegan Bradley claiming at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas last week that he was “shocked” and “disappointed” to see the leaks emerge.

Also speaking in the Bahamas, Tiger Woods said he hopes players get $5m each for competing, as long as it all goes to charity.

“This was never really about getting paid, it’s how can we allocate funds to be able to help our sport,” Woods said. “Because it’s so hard to get onto that team, there’s only 12 guys, what’s wrong with being able to allocate more funds?”

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.