Europe captain Luke Donald has launched the opening salvo in the Ryder Cup battle of words by suggesting the US crowd might turn against their own team over financial matters at Bethpage Black.
For the first time ever, American stars will receive a “stipend” of $200,000 – while Team Europe competes without compensation – as tickets reach an eye-watering $750 each. It comes as Phil Mickelson revealed his true feelings on being a Ryder Cup captain.
When questioned whether these two elements could spark home crowd hostility if Team USA falls behind, Donald remarked: “That could happen. We all know how high the ticket prices are and it’s going to be an expensive trip out for a family of four. If the U.S. players are getting paid a stipend, or whatever it is, and they aren’t performing, the New Yorkers could make them know about it.”
Donald previously opposed Team Europe receiving payment before reclaiming the trophy in Rome – a stance supported by his players.
“It speaks to what the Ryder Cup means to these guys,” he explained. “A couple hundred thousand dollars to these guys isn’t a lot of money in the grand scheme of things.
“I wanted to get ahead of this when I first heard about it last year and looked like it was likely going to happen. As I said I reached out to all the 12 guys in Rome and see how they felt. Their voices are important.
“Everyone was like, we haven’t even considered playing for money for that event. We just don’t see that. We understand what it represents. We have a great purpose, and that’s really enough for us.
“We understand that the money raised goes to help The European Tour Group and the grass roots. Again we talk a lot about this, we are here to inspire the next generation. So this money is going to good things. It will hopefully help future Ryder Cup players become great players. I think our purpose, why we play the Ryder Cup, is pretty strong, and that’s enough for that week.
“Those weeks of the Ryder Cup, they are the best weeks. There’s so much more to them. Again, we certainly don’t need any motivation or monetary rewards to get us up. I think the Americans are favored because of the atmosphere but sometimes that takes pressure off the players, as well. The pressure can be on the home team. I felt that in Rome and I’m sure Keegan and his team will feel pressure to perform under the scrutiny of the New Yorkers as well.”
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President Donald Trump – who is friends with Bryson DeChambeau – is scheduled to watch on the opening day on Friday. Asked if it’s good for the Ryder Cup that he’s coming
He added: “I think so. It’s not like Presidents haven’t come to Ryder Cups before or Walker Cups or Presidents Cups. it’s nothing new. I think that you have to respect the Office and the fact that he wants to come and show support is a good thing. He loves golf is all I’m going to say.”
Following delays regarding his attendance at the US Open men’s final, the PGA of America is believed to have requested Trump postpone his arrival until after the Friday morning foursomes begin.
“We haven’t heard the definite plans,” added the European skipper. ” Yeah, I suppose that would make things a little bit easier. The morning is a rush, isn’t it? The spectators start getting it, lining up at 4, 5 am, leaving earlier.”
