Ryan Lavner predicts what European players could do after finding out Americans will be paid to play the Ryder Cup in ‘ugly scenes’

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A 97-year Ryder Cup tradition is set to end, with American players in line to be paid for their efforts at Bethpage Black.

USA stars will receive $400,000 each for competing at the 2025 match. However, European authorities have no plans to reward their 12-man team.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, several European players support the decision. Rory McIlroy says he will play for free, and Shane Lowry shares a similar stance.

The payment discourse has undoubtedly added another dynamic to what promises to be a pulsating event on Long Island. And now, Golf Channel pundit Ryan Lavner anticipates the European side will use the payment news to their advantage.

Europe set to ‘weaponise’ payment saga

• READ MORE: Hunter Mahan reacts to Rory McIlroy’s Ryder Cup comments and delivers two-word response on USA payment decision

Speaking during the latest Golf Channel Podcast, Lavner claimed Luke Donald and the European side look to ride the “greedy” American narrative for as long as possible.

“I don’t like the American players who do want to get paid for all of the reasons you pointed out,” said Lavner.

“And Rory was very quick to it, and it won’t be the last. They will weaponise this, and there will be posters in the team room about beating the greedy Americans. Luke Donald is not going to miss this opportunity. Optically, it’s a nightmare for the US Ryder Cup team, and it’s going to be in New York City. It’s going to be an ugly scene.”

Former Ryder Cup star also makes Europe prediction

Three-time USA Ryder Cup player Hunter Mahan shares a similar view to Lavner. Mahan believes Europe will raise the payment decision whenever possible between now and the first tee shot on Long Island.

“I think it being one-sided could be a little bit of a storyline. I think the European side and the fans are definitely going to use it, and I think the players will definitely use it when they can, before and even during the event,” he told Golf Monthly.

The USA’s decision certainly adds an extra edge to what was already shaping up to be a hostile encounter at Bethpage.

European fans’ treatment of Patrick Cantlay is likely to trigger a response from the US support at Bethpage. Dealing with the frosty reception will be a massive part of the task set to test Donald’s team in New York.