Rory McIlroy could have set an example for USA players to follow, with the American Ryder Cup team set to be paid for the first time in the competition’s 97-year history.
Groundbreaking reports claimed Team USA will receive $5m, which will be split equally between the 12 men on the Bethpage Black roster.
The Europeans, however, have no plans to pay their players, and this decision has been supported. Rory McIlroy would pay to play at the Ryder Cup and Shane Lowry is happy to represent Europe for free.
The four-time major winner also revealed what the Europeans would do if they were handed $400,000 each to represent the side at Bethpage Black.
Rory McIlroy sets example for USA Ryder Cup team
Speaking after the first round of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, McIlroy revealed he’d support the DP World Tour with any Ryder Cup payment.
“The common consensus among us is that $5 million would be better off spent elsewhere on the DP World Tour to support other events or even to support The Challenge Tour,” the Northern Irishman said.
After McIlroy’s comments, some of the USA’s stars may be able to turn this sour situation into a massive PR victory.
United States Ryder Cup player can score PR win
The United States players are entirely entitled to do what they wish with their Ryder Cup payments. However, looking to donate the $400,000 to a charity or foundation could be the smartest move.
The media, particularly in Europe, will undoubtedly try to keep the payment narrative running right up until the first ball is struck on Long Island. As a result, criticism will head the USA’s way.
However, if Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Collin Morikawa quickly confirm that they’re giving their wages away, this unsavoury scenario will turn into a PR victory.
Right now, the momentum is with the Europeans. ‘Payment vs Passion’ is the headline. Yet, one or two shrewd PR moves on the American side could turn this discourse on its head.
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