Ryder Cup prize money debate: US captain defends payment

For a long time, the Ryder Cup was regarded as a unique event in professional sport that was not about millions, but about pure honor and prestige. But this Traditions is beginning to falter. At the press conference for the Ryder Cup 2025, which takes place next weekend, the topic of Ryder Cup prize money caused heated discussions. For the first time, the US team will receive a direct payment for their participation, which put their captain Keegan Bradley on the defensive.

Here you can find the broadcast times of the 2025 Ryder Cup on TV and livestream.

This is how much prize money Team USA will receive at the Ryder Cup

The PGA of America has revised the compensation system for the US team, setting a precedent. Each American player will now receive a total of 500,000 US dollars. This amount is divided as follows:

• 300.000 US dollars are earmarked for charitable causes, which the player can determine himself. This represents a significant increase on the previous donation of 200,000 US dollars.
• 200.000 US dollars will be paid out directly to the player as a so-called "scholarship".

The decision to give part of the money directly to the professionals is a reaction to previous demands. In 1999 and most recently two years ago in Rome, there were reports that US players were demanding a share of the enormous income from the event.

How the Ryder Cup works: the rules and forms of play explained.

US captain Keegan Bradley defends payment

US captain Keegan Bradley, who will donate his own 500,000 dollars in full, had to face several critical questions from journalists at the press conference. He defended the decision he had made together with the PGA of America.

When asked whether paying the Americans gave the impression that winning meant more to the Europeans, Bradley responded directly: "I'm not worried about what Europe is doing or what they think. I'm worried about what my team is doing."

Bradley emphasized that it was a "personal decision" for the players as to what they do with the money and pointed out that many professionals do not want to make their charitable activities public. He was convinced that the players would use the money wisely. "I think the players will do a lot of good with this money and I think that's great," he said. He also referred to the Presidents Cup, where a similar system applies.

Team Europe forgoes prize money at the Ryder Cup

Meanwhile, the European team remains true to its Traditions. Luke Donald, the captain of the European team, was not asked about the issue at the press conference as there is no direct payment on their side. The European players will continue to receive no financial compensation for their participation. In recognition, the captain presents each of his players with a special, often valuable, gift. For many European stars, the value of the event far outweighs monetary incentives anyway. Players such as Rory McIlroy have emphasized in the past that the honour of representing their team and their continent is priceless.

Despite the discussion about the Ryder Cup prize money, everyone involved emphasizes that the sporting competition is paramount. But it remains to be seen how the public will react to this innovation in the coming days.