Tiger Woods certainly knows a thing or two about the Ryder Cup, having played for Team USA at the event on eight occasions.
But Woods is currently not ‘tournament-sharp’, with the American forced to withdraw from this week’s Hero World Challenge.
Woods is a 15-time major champion, but it has been some time since the 48-year-old has been at his best, largely due to injury.
He has, however, been keeping up with the issues of today’s game, with Woods tasked with sharing his verdict on USA’s players getting paid to play the Ryder Cup.
Each American Ryder Cup player is set to receive $400,000 for participating in the next edition of the event in 2025, which takes place at Bethpage Black in September.
Many golf fans disagree with Tiger Woods Ryder Cup charity plea
Woods wants that Ryder Cup money to go to charity, saying ahead of the Hero World Challenge: “I hope they get $5million each and donate it all to charity… We didn’t want to get paid. We wanted to give more money to charity.”
That sentiment has caused a divide among golf fans, with one fan who disagrees commenting on X: “Players should be compensated for their time away from their families. The tournament is a money maker for everyone else, it should be for the players too. If they want to donate to a charity of their choice, then they can do that either with a public or private donation.”
A second said: “It’s a bit hypocritical of Tiger to say that while he’s sitting on $500m”, with a third saying: “Checks calendar… ohh damn it’s 2024/25… times have changed buddy.”
Another fan weighed in on the debate, saying: “I would hope expenses are paid. They’re generating millions for the PGA by participating in the event. Is PGA going to give the sponsorship revenue they earn during the Ryder Cup to charity?”
Tiger Woods receives support for Ryder Cup money idea
Others, however, backed the calls from Woods, with one golf fan noting: “If the Big Cat is saying this; the new blood should take note. Play for your nation, give the money to charity. They need it more than these multi millionaires.”
A second agreed: “I could see that being a nice arrangement. Instead of a payment, have the money go to a charity of choice for the player.”
READ MORE: Who is Tiger Woods? A look inside the life of the greatest golfer of all time
Further support for Woods arrived, with other fans saying: “I agree 100% well said” and “Tiger is 100% spot on!”
Donating the funds to charity is absolutely the right choice, with the game’s leading stars not only already paid enough, but the money would be put to much better use elsewhere.
It is, however, worth noting that many golfers undoubtedly give to charity in their own way, often not making a song and dance about their generous actions.
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