US Ryder Cup Stars to Donate Payments Amid Backlash

US Ryder Cup Team to Donate Earnings After Criticism

$500,000 Payments Stir Controversy

The 12-man US Ryder Cup team, including captain Keegan Bradley, are receiving $500,000 each to participate in this year’s tournament. Of that, $300,000 is automatically directed to charity, with the remaining $200,000 given to each individual to allocate freely.

Facing growing criticism over player payments, several American stars have stepped up to donate their full amounts to charity.

Scheffler, Cantlay, and Schauffele Pledge Donations

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, and Xander Schauffele confirmed they will donate their entire $500,000 Ryder Cup earnings:

• Scheffler: “I have a deep passion for Dallas and our local charities. We’ll use the money to do good in our community.”

• Cantlay: “Hopefully someone growing up in southern California gets that opportunity and can follow their dreams.”

• Schauffele: “Selfishly, this will make me feel good. That money should support our communities.”

Schauffele also criticized the media for portraying the payments as a negative move, emphasizing that charitable impact is the real focus.

Cantlay’s ‘Hatgate’ Clarified

Cantlay also addressed the infamous 2023 Ryder Cup cap controversy, reiterating that it was never a protest over lack of payment:

“The hat didn’t fit… this year we worked to make sure we had one, so we’re good.”

Captain Keegan Bradley defended Cantlay, stating: “We blew this way out of proportion. No big deal.”

Bradley: ‘We’re Modernizing the Ryder Cup’

Bradley confirmed that the $300,000 charity donation had not increased since 1999, despite inflation and rising revenue.

“We wanted to bring the Ryder Cup into today’s age… The players will do a lot of good with this money.”

He also confirmed he would donate his entire payment, bringing potential charitable impact to $6.5 million if all players follow suit.

European Legends Voice Opposition

Not everyone is on board with the change:

• Tom Watson: “I just don’t think they should be paid. Play for your country, not for money.”

• Darren Clarke: “Being paid doesn’t sit well with me.”

• Paul McGinley: Called the move a “massive mistake.”

Unlike the Americans, Team Europe players receive no financial compensation and have historically opposed any form of payment.

Luke Donald Responds to Payment Debate

European captain Luke Donald confirmed he spoke to his players when rumors of US payments emerged. The response?

“Every one of them said, ‘We don’t want to get paid – this isn’t a week to get paid.’”

Donald warned the payments could backfire on the US team if they underperform:

“If the US players are getting paid and they aren’t performing, New Yorkers could make them know about it.”

He also noted that Ryder Cup ticket prices are around $750 each, creating tension if fans feel players are under-delivering.

Historical Context: Tiger Woods’ Influence

The Ryder Cup payment model began in 1999, following Tiger Woods’ push for charitable donations on behalf of players.

• Until now, that figure remained $200,000 per player.

• The current $500,000 structure reflects an effort to align with Presidents Cup payments, where players receive $550,000 each.

Will Payments Damage the Spirit of the Ryder Cup?

While the donations are welcomed, the very principle of payment remains a philosophical debate:

• Should national pride alone drive Ryder Cup participation?

• Does modern revenue and media attention demand a shift in approach?

• Or could these changes erode what makes the Ryder Cup unique?

As the tournament unfolds, fan reactions, player performances, and public opinion will all shape whether the charity-first approach balances out the backlash.