In historic first, US Ryder Cup team members will be paid to play

For the first time in history, Ryder Cup golfers on the U.S. team will be paid to play, starting with the 2025 competition at Bethpage Black in New York.

The PGA of America announced on Monday that its board of directors has voted to give U.S. Ryder Cup players and the team captain a $200,000 stipend – in addition to increasing donations to a charity of each player’s choice from $200,000 to $300,000.

A news release from the PGA of America noted that the charitable donation had not increased since 1999 and that ‘no players asked to be compensated.’

U.S. captain Keegan Bradley has already said he will be giving his entire allocation to charity.

In a letter to past Ryder Cup captains, PGA of America president Don Rea said the $200,000 stipend was added ‘out of respect for the players … so the players could have a say in where the money goes’ and would be separate from what players receive for expenses.

‘It’s recognition for all the players have done for the Ryder Cup over the years,’ Rea wrote.

Players on the European Team, which won last year’s competition in Italy and have prevailed in 10 of the last 14 events, do not get paid for participating in the Ryder Cup.