What Tiger Woods previously said about USA players being paid to play at the Ryder Cup after huge 2025 decision made

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A unique scenario is set to emerge at the 2025 Ryder Cup, with the United States players due to be paid for the first time in the competition’s 97-year history.

Reports claim Team USA will be granted $5.08 million, which will be split equally among the 12-man roster. Each player will, therefore, earn around $400,000 to represent the side at the historic three-day event. Previously, United States representatives were awarded $200,000 to give to charity of their choice.

Patrick Cantlay was famously ridiculed in Rome for allegedly protesting the lack of financial reward given to players at golf’s fiercest matchplay event. The American denies the allegations. “The money issue was not talked about, at all, leading up to the Ryder Cup or during the week of the Ryder Cup,” Cantlay told Golf.Com.

Tiger Woods is another whose opinion is valued on US soil, and here is what the 15-time major winner has previously said on the issue.

Tiger Woods Ryder Cup thoughts after 2025 decision made

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Back in 2002, Woods made an astonishing claim at the American Express World Championship. Tiger admitted that he would rather add $1m to his bank account than win the Ryder Cup.

Woods was asked: “What would be more important for you, to win this week or the Ryder Cup next week?”

“Here this week,” he replied. “I can think of a million reasons why.”

Fast-forward 21 years, and Woods was pressed on the issue after the Ryder Cup in Rome. When asked whether players should be played, the 48-year-old said, “It’s not about that. It’s just about Team USA and representing our country. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.”

Tiger Woods involved in 1999 Ryder Cup push for pay

• READ MORE: European Ryder Cup player reacts after America make plan to pay their team at Bethpage Black in 2025

Before the 1999 event at The Country Club in Brookline, Mark O’Meara, according to Sports Illustrated, led a group of players, including Woods, who were fighting for payment. O’Meara’s hopes of becoming captain were dashed as a result.

It’s hard to truly determine Woods’ thoughts on the issue. Clearly, during his early years, Tiger was keen to add as much as he could to his fortune.

However, after his comments post-2023 Ryder Cup, the 15-time major winner is probably content delivering conservative answers. Given that Woods is the highest-paid golfer of all time, probably steering clear of this inevitable debate is a wise move.