What Jordan Spieth said about Ryder Cup payment before making his debut in the USA’s heavy defeat in 2014

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The decision to pay USA Ryder Cup players has sparked much controversy ahead of the 2025 edition at Bethpage Black.

Each member of Keegan Bradley’s team will earn around $400,000, half of which will be donated to charity. Captain Bradley will donate his full wage, as will Xander Schauffele, who confirmed his intentions on Thursday evening.

“I just see it as a whole lot of money going to charity, and we’re going to take a lot of c***,” he told reporters at The Sentry.

The issue is not new Stateside, however. Back in 1999, USA players threatened to boycott after remaining unpaid. Captain Ben Crenshaw quickly shut down the speculation.

It will be interesting to see what the soon-to-be-paid USA players do. And Jordan Spieth’s comments from 2014 could give some indication.

What Jordan Spieth said about Ryder Cup payment before his first appearance in 2014

Speaking before the USA’s heavy Ryder Cup defeat at Gleneagles, Spieth was quick to mention the importance of representing his country whilst remaining unpaid.

“It’s funny because this event and the Masters are the two events that I think of that I’d like to win someday as my — and equally,” Spieth said.

“This one has no pay, but you’re sitting here playing, representing all the American professional golfers. You’re representing — more importantly, you’re representing your family, you’re representing your country.

“You’re chosen out of all those other incredible players that play the PGA TOUR and beyond to be part of these 12 guys that have an opportunity to win The Ryder Cup, something that we don’t have a great recent history with. Yeah, I get really, really pumped up for it. I’m getting really pumped up for this. I hope that I’m one of those guys that elevates this game for this event.”

Spieth would go on to win his maiden Masters Tournament title just a matter of months later in 2015.

• READ MORE: Predicting the USA and European teams at the 2025 Ryder Cup with four LIV Golf players involved

USA players can avoid PR disaster at Bethpage Black

Any USA player who fails to donate their full wage to charity will open themselves up to criticism from all angles.

The European media already had a field day after the PGA of America’s decision—no more ammunition is required.

In fact, Bradley’s team has a golden chance to turn this saga into a massive PR victory. If all 12 players donate their wages to charity, they will receive praise—not criticism.

It’s difficult not to share some sympathy with some of the USA’s big-name players. It’s believed the situation was out of their control and that many were happy to remain unpaid.

Clearly, after Patrick Cantlay’s ridicule in Rome, many have concluded that player power was heavily involved—when that might not have been the case.