Americans to be paid to play in Ryder Cup for the first time

Americans will be paid to play in the Ryder Cup for the first time under a new PGA of America program announced on Monday that gives them a USD 200,000 stipend and USD 300,000 for them to distribute to charity. We’re talking 25 years that it’s been at USD 200,000,” Rea said in a telephone interview, adding that USD 500,000 “seemed like the right place to land.” “Everyone is appreciative of what the players are doing for the Ryder Cup.” That appreciation now includes direct payment for their services, a change not only in the amount but 40 per cent of it without stipulation where it goes. “The players and captains, past and present, are responsible for the Ryder Cup becoming the most special competition in golf and one of the most in-demand events on the international sports scene,” the PGA said. “While no players asked to be compensated, the PGA of America Board of Directors has voted to increase the allocation to the members of the U.S. Ryder Cup team from USD 200,000 to be directed to charities — a figure unchanged since 1999 — to USD 500,000, with USD 300,000 of that to be directed to the charity or charities of the players’ choice. “Golf is a long-established vehicle for good and it’s exciting to imagine the impact the members of the 2025 US Ryder Cup team will deliver for worthy causes and communities across the country, including the many initiatives that support the growth of the game.” The most recent pay-for-play topic already has become a talking point for next September’s matches at Bethpage Black, providing easy fodder to a European team that has won the cup 10 out of the last 14 times, including 2023 at Marco Simone.