US players WILL be paid to play in Ryder Cup

The PGA of America has confirmed that US players will be paid to play in the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage.

The move was first reported by The Telegraph but has now been given the green light by the governing body.

For the first time in the 97-year history of the match, each American player will receive a $200,000 stipend, as well as $300,000 to donate to charity.

It’s an increase from the $200,000 charitable fee that was introduced in 1999 when the payment row first surfaced.

The payment scheme was approved last Monday by the PGA of America when it met in person last week. 

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“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 of that to be directed to the charity or charities of the players’ choice,” read a statement. “The balance is a stipend.”

Keegan Bradley, who will captain the US side next September, has insisted that he will donate his full package to charity. 

But, according to the Associated Press, PGA of America president Don Rea said the stipend is “recognition” for what players have contributed to the Ryder Cup over the years. 

The Americans have won just three of the last 11 biennial contests and are without a win in Europe since 1993. 

“We’ve had so many meetings for a long time, and it hasn’t gone up since 1999,” he said. “We’re talking 25 years that it’s been at $200,000. 

“Everyone is appreciative of what the players are doing for the Ryder Cup. 

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It follows a similar pattern to that of the Presidents Cup, in which US players and captains receive $250,000 and donate it to a charity of their choice. 

And Rea noted that in a letter to past captains, several of whom tried to block the decision last week. 

“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,” added the PGA. 

“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.” 

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.