Greedies get their dosh

By Neville Idour

The Patrick Cantlays of this world will be delighted when they receive their $US500,000 financial package for the privilege of playing for the United States Ryder Cup team.

Yes, the PGA of America board met recently and caved in to the pressure. They will send all 12 players and the captain the package. Previously, since 1999 each player received $US200,000 to forward to a charity of their choice.

Patrick Cantlay of the United States plays his shot from the 13th tee prior to The Sentry 2025 at Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club on January 01, 2025 in Kapalua, Hawaii. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Under the new agreement that figure increases to $US300,000. However, starting at Bethpage in 2025, every player will also receive a salary of $US200,000, thus breaking the tradition existing from the first event in 1927.

The PGA of America said “no player asked to be compensated” and “we are grateful to the many players and captains through the years who have so passionately represented our country.”

However this decision has not been greeted with any approval by many. Ironically the current US captain Keegan Bradley has said he will be giving his entire sum to charity.

Days before the PGA announcement it was reported by Sports Illustrated and British newspaper The Telegraph that 12 former Ryder Cup captains had signed a letter to the PGA of America asking that they pull back on plans to pay players.

One ex-US captain said: “This was done with the idea that you should play for your country without reaping financial rewards. We are trying to honour those who came before us and honour the Ryder Cup. We just wanted to show support.”

He then said if the entire amounts went to charity they would be in favour of the change.

Calls for players to be compensated have been around publicly since 1999 when US captain Ben Crenshaw helped prevent a possible player boycott by introducing the charitable concept. However this has not stopped the cries of a number of Ryder Cup stars through the years who felt they should reap some of the tens of millions of dollars profits.

For the European Ryder Cup golfers there is still no indication they will follow suit. Rory McIlroy has said “I would pay for the privilege of representing Europe.’'