As far as own goals go, the PGA of America have arguably scored a blinder with the news that the US Ryder Cup team are set to be paid $500,000 from 2025.
While payment for playing in the Ryder Cup has been a talking point for a long time, debate over the issue appears to have reached another level over the last year or so, ever since reports emerged concerning why Patrick Cantlay was not wearing a cap in Rome.
Cantlay dismissed the claims that it was some form of protest. However, his critics will not have been shocked by the news that the US team are set to receive payment for playing in 2025. It has now been confirmed that each player will receive $300,000 to donate to a charity of their choice, as well as a $200,000 stipend. It must also be noted that the PGA of America insisted that no player had asked to be paid.
Nevertheless, the news has unsurprisingly attracted a lot of criticism – and the Europeans have wasted no time in dismissing the idea of adopting a similar policy. Rory McIlroy said he had told Luke Donald that they have no interest in being paid to play.
What Keegan Bradley will do with his $500,000 payment for the Ryder Cup
And it seems that some of those on the American side are already confirming that they have no plans to keep any of the money. Speaking on the Golf Channel Podcast, Rex Hoggard suggested that Keegan Bradley has shared what he will be doing with the payment he receives.
“Keegan Bradley, the captain of the US Ryder Cup team, texted me this morning and said he’s going to give all $500,000 of his to charity, and I think most players will,” he said.
“The idea that a Scottie Scheffler would not have played the Ryder Cup over $500,000 is silly to the extreme. However, I think this is a good move by the PGA, because again, you had to walk a delicate balance.”
Why Bradley should be angrier with the PGA of America than anyone
You almost have to feel for Bradley in all of this. He was already under enormous pressure having been such a surprising choice to captain the US team at Bethpage Black – which will come 11 years later after his most recent Ryder Cup appearance.
Just one away side has won the Ryder Cup since the turn of the century. So Bradley will have been aware of the backlash he will receive if Europe triumph in New York.
And that backlash will be significantly stronger now that the team is being paid. There will be plenty of neutrals desperate to see the American side defeated. And the issue arguably does Donald’s team talk for him.
Of course, it is not right if some wealthy figures behind the scenes become even richer off the back of the Ryder Cup while the players receive nothing. However, the players should be putting their energy into demanding that the fans do not have to pay as much to attend the event, or making sure that the volunteers receive payment.
But it is fantastic that Bradley is planning to give all of his money to charity. He should be as furious as anyone that this has happened now.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
