Team USA will go into the Ryder Cup in 2025 with a major dark cloud over their head thanks to a decision to pay them and just how unnecessary those payments are has now been laid bare.
The PGA of America has agreed to pay $500,000 to each player in what is a confirmation of rumours that have been doing the rounds for a few weeks now.
Naturally, the decision has caused quite the reaction and the payments are going to be a major talking point going into the event at Bethpage Black.
And while most of the money will end up with charities, when you look at the figures of what the players have earned so far on the PGA Tour, it’s mind-boggling why some feel the need to be paid for Ryder Cups.
How much each Team USA player from the 2023 Ryder Cup squad has earned on the PGA Tour
Everyone knows that PGA Tour players make a more than healthy living, while the most successful ones are millionaires often ten times and more over.
And in looking at the statistics of money earned – just prize money and not sponsorships or endorsements – the figures for the 12 who made the 2023 Ryder Cup squad are eye-opening.
Shared by Bunkered writer Michael McEwan, not a single player from that 12 has made below $25m in their career so far.
| Player | Career prize money on the PGA Tour only |
| Scottie Scheffler | $71,793,586 |
| Wyndham Clark | $26,580,951 |
| Brian Harman | $38,099,680 |
| Patrick Cantlay | $48,303,326 |
| Max Homa | $27,454,338 |
| Brooks Koepka | $43,426,092 |
| Jordan Spieth | $65,741,970 |
| Collin Morikawa | $34,859,707 |
| Sam Burns | $27,929,623 |
| Rickie Fowler | $50,695,281 |
| Justin Thomas | $59,705,364 |
| Xander Schauffele | $57,295,643 |
| TOTAL | $548,885,561 |
How the golf world has reacted to confirmation of Ryder Cup payments
With it being such a big talking point, there was always going to be a reaction and we certainly got one with this story.
Popular YouTuber Peter Finch questioned the impact the decision would have on the feel of the tournament overall, while Anthony Kim backed the US players in being paid, especially if it does go to charity.
Interestingly, US captain Keegan Bradley has confirmed his charitable intentions, so one would assume that the players will follow suit.
Still, with Rex Hoggard confirming there are worries over the story dominating the build-up, Team USA have very much given themselves more pressure here.
With Team Europe not being paid, Luke Donald and co will be using this as a stick to beat the US Team with as much as possible to get that psychological edge.
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