The damning comments Tiger Woods once made on the Ryder Cup and what he’d do if he was paid to play

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We are just 24 hours from the Ryder Cup getting underway at Bethpage Black and while excitement levels are high, there is an undercurrent once again.

This time, it’s down to the American players being paid to compete in the Ryder Cup, with suggestions of around $500,000 being given to each player.

Part of that is a charitable donation, while the other is a ‘stipend’ for simply playing in the tournament.

• READ MORE: PGA Tour winner predicts the lineups for the opening Ryder Cup session and puts Bryson DeChambeau out first

Talk of the money has dominated pre-tournament press conferences. Opinions have been given left, right and centre, with Keegan Bradley among those to confirm he will donate it all to charity.

However, not everyone is happy with the situation. Tom Watson has slammed the decision, while it’s given the Europeans fuel given they don’t take any payment whatsoever.

Now, looking back at some past comments on the matter, it’s worth noting what Tiger Woods’ stance was.

Tiger Woods’ stance on being paid to play in The Ryder Cup

It goes without saying that this has become a bit of a taboo subject and pretty divisive to say the least.

So far, we are all assuming the American players will donate every penny but there is no official confirmation of this, meaning a black cloud remains.

Indeed, looking back at what Tiger Woods said about the issue – in quotes shared on X by Dylan Dethier – it seems the American legend was very much against it.

Keegan Bradley has suggested the money will be used in the right way but he also defended his players and their rights not to disclose what they’re doing with such funds.

• READ MORE: The 10 obscure Ryder Cup rules you need to know as play gets close to starting at Bethpage Black

Team Europe will play on this all weekend

We’ve already heard little comments from Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy on the subject of being paid and while it won’t dominate things for Europe, they will tap into it.

The Americans are already under pressure as it is, being the home team and all that comes with it.

But this added pressure of actually being given money to play in one of golf’s signature and showpiece events, could cause problems.

In a way, the Americans would be better coming out and saying the whole lot is going to charity.

But until then, Team Europe have ammunition to use here and will do so at will if the problems and rumours remain.