A new initiative by the PGA of America, announced on Monday, will provide American players with financial compensation for participating in the Ryder Cup. Each of the 12 players on the U.S. team, along with the captain, will receive a total of $500,000—consisting of a $200,000 stipend and an additional $300,000 designated for charitable causes. This marks a significant increase from the previous framework that allocated $200,000 exclusively for charity since the issue of player compensation arose in 1999 before the Brookline matches.
U.S. captain Keegan Bradley expressed his commitment to donating his entire share to charity. “We added the $200,000 stipend out of respect for the players… so the players could have a say in where the money goes. It’s recognition for all the players have done for the Ryder Cup over the years,” said PGA President Don Rea in a letter addressed to former Ryder Cup captains. He highlighted that this stipend would be separate from the expenses that players typically incur.
The payment system received approval from the PGA of America’s board during a recent in-person meeting. Rea emphasized that considering no change occurred in compensation rates for 25 years, the increase to $500,000 felt appropriate. “Everyone is appreciative of what the players are doing for the Ryder Cup,” he noted.
Under the new rules, players will see a shift in how their payments are allocated. Previously, the arrangement established in 1999 mandated that $100,000 of the total $200,000 be directed toward a college golf program while the other half went to a charity of the player’s choosing. In contrast, for the upcoming Rome matches in 2023, all $200,000 can be directed to any charity that players select.
Rea also drew parallels between this updated compensation structure and what the PGA Tour has adopted for the Presidents Cup, wherein starting in 2022, players and captains receive a non-directed payment of $250,000.
In its announcement via social media, the PGA of America acknowledged the vital role that both past and present players and captains have played in making the Ryder Cup one of the most esteemed competitions in golf. Their decision reflects an understanding that while players had not expressly requested financial compensation, acknowledging their contributions was essential. The PGA Board’s vote to raise the funds directed toward the U.S. Ryder Cup team from $200,000 to $500,000 with a $300,000 allowance for charities illustrates this sentiment. The remaining funds constitute the stipend.
The recent discussions about the Ryder Cup’s compensation structure are expected to resonate throughout the upcoming event slated for next September at Bethpage Black, especially in light of European teams’ recent success with ten victories in the last fourteen matches, including the 2023 competition.
Rory McIlroy voiced his thoughts on the Ryder Cup’s significance, stating, “I personally would pay for the privilege to play on the Ryder Cup.” He emphasized that the Ryder Cup and the Olympics stand out as the most authentic representations of competition in the sport, partly due to the absence of financial involvement.
An earlier report during the previous Ryder Cup hinted that player Patrick Cantlay protested his compensation by refusing to wear a hat, which garnered attention from the crowd. However, Cantlay dismissed these claims as false.
Financial aspects of the Ryder Cup can vary depending on the event’s location, with the European Tour benefiting significantly from the matches held in Europe. Meanwhile, the PGA of America oversees the tournament in the U.S., paying a percentage of broadcast revenues to the PGA Tour, which contributes to the tour’s operational income.
Kerry Haigh, the interim chief executive of the PGA of America, suggested that the current financial climate offers a timely opportunity to reassess player compensation. He recognized the substantial charity contributions made by players previously and affirmed the decision to allocate more funds both towards charitable contributions and stipends.
Moreover, assistant captains will receive less than the primary players and captain in this revised payment plan.
Tiger Woods recently echoed sentiments from 1999 regarding player input on charitable allocations from event profits, suggesting a framework whereby players could each receive $1 million to distribute to charities relevant to them. With the new payment structure, players will now benefit from both the charity allocation and a personal stipend, creating a more flexible financial arrangement.
