Justin Thomas delivers honest verdict on USA players being paid at the 2025 Ryder Cup

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Justin Thomas is the latest USA golfer to share his thoughts on the Ryder Cup payment row, which promises to emerge frequently in the build-up to the 2025 event at Bethpage Black.

With some of the world’s elite players gathering at Albany for the Hero World Challenge, Scottie Scheffler, Tiger Woods and Thomas have all had to deal with the media spotlight.

Ryder Cup discourse quickly emerged in Woods’ presser, and the 15-time major winner was diplomatic when asked about USA players being paid. Woods wants each player to hand their $400,000 to charity – a far cry from 25 years ago when Woods was part of a US team that threatened to boycott the Brookline event over a payment row.

On Wednesday, Scottie Scheffler was also quizzed on the groundbreaking decision. The world number one delivered a typically classy response.  “I think every one of our players would pay to play in the Ryder Cup if that is what was asked of us,” he said. “It would be a little bit silly for a tournament which makes hundreds of millions of dollars to ask for the players to pay as well. But I think we all would. I definitely would.”

What Justin Thomas has said about Ryder Cup payments

Thomas, whose passion for the Ryder Cup was showcased in the hit Netflix series ‘Full Swing’, has now shared his insights on the situation.

And the two-time major winner has sympathy for both sides of the argument. “It’s a weird, touchy subject, and you’re kind of damned if you do, damned if you don’t,” Thomas told NBC.

“I’m not on the business side of things, but I see both sides. At the end of the day, I think, along with the rest of the United States and Europe, we still love the Ryder Cup, and we clearly are going to play regardless.

“I think it could just be something where some people just feel that that’s what it is and, you know, so be it. I hope to be there no matter what.”

• READ MORE: Golf fans react after Tiger Woods tells USA’s players to give their Ryder Cup money to charity

Justin Thomas’ 2025 Ryder Cup chances assessed

Thomas played a role in Keegan Bradley’s selection as captain, and the 2022 PGA Championship winner will be looking to force his way into the team.

Thomas was snubbed for the Presidents Cup, a decision that was heavily criticised given the 31-year-old’s form during the second half of the PGA Tour season. The American regularly shot rounds in the 60s but was let down by a lack of consistency at times.

Thomas has been working hard on his game, and the signs were positive at the ZOZO Championship in Japan, where he finished in a tie for second.

Based on his recent performance, Thomas seems to be trending towards his previous high levels. Having this two-time major winner back among the elite players would be beneficial for the USA and the sport of golf as a whole.