Dame Laura Davies hits out at ‘disgraceful’ USA players after Ryder Cup request which she does not understand

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Dame Laura Davies hasn’t held back after hearing about a “disgraceful” Ryder Cup request from the United States Team.

For the first time in the competition’s 97-year history, American players will be paid for competing in the three-day event.

However, the European authorities have no plans to pay their players at the Bethpage Black event next September, and this decision has received support.

Rory McIlroy is happy to play for free, and Shane Lowry doesn’t want to be paid while representing Europe.

Davies is the latest to share her view and hasn’t held back after hearing about the USA’s proposal.

Dame Laura Davies reacts to ‘disgraceful’ Ryder Cup news

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Speaking on Sky Sports coverage of the DP World Tour Championship, Davies said: “I am right out of what Rory just said, and for anyone who wants to be paid, it’s a bit disgraceful, really. If you are a Ryder Cup player, you have earned a lot of money to get into the team, so to want more… for whatever reasons their reasons are, maybe if they get the ones who aren’t that bothered, they will give it to the foundations which would be lovely. But to go on about money to get to a Ryder Cup, I don’t understand it.”

Davies added: “I’m sure it’s not all the players. It will probably just be a few who want the money for their own reasons.

“It won’t be because they need the money; it will be because they feel they should be paid. I am with Rory. I would love to have played another Solheim Cup; it’s the biggest honour you will ever have in your career.”

What European players would do with Ryder Cup payment

If the European authorities did perform a drastic U-turn, it’s believed the 12-man team would be reluctant to accept any payment.

McIlroy would rather the $5m support the DP World Tour than add to the personal fortunes of those representing the side in Long Island.

In fact, it’s a move some of the USA’s stars should try to replicate. Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Collin Morikawa could set an example and offer their Ryder Cup payments to a charity or foundation.

Distancing themselves from the payment saga and offering it elsewhere could well be a smart move in the lead-up to the Bethpage Black event.