The Ryder Cup was always the one event where money didn’t matter—until now. In December 2024, the PGA of America approved a new package for the U.S. team at Bethpage Black 2025: $500,000 per player ($300k to charity, $200k stipend). In this video, we break down what changed, the history behind the pay debate (from Brookline 1999 to Hatgate in Rome 2023), how Team Europe contrasts, and whether this risks the tradition that made the Ryder Cup special in the first place.
The End of Ryder Cup Tradition_…
We cover:
Why the “no money” identity mattered
The real story behind Hatgate & the Rome flashpoint
Exact details of the 2025 policy (charity vs stipend, expenses, captain note)
Why now (spotlight, commercial scale, shifting golf landscape)
Whether this changes the Ryder Cup—and what it means for the future
If you enjoy smart golf breakdowns, subscribe and tell us where you stand: pride only, or pride + stipend?
Keywords: Ryder Cup 2025, Bethpage Black, PGA of America, player compensation, Patrick Cantlay Hatgate, Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald, LIV Golf, Presidents Cup, Ryder Cup Europe, RCEDT
Hashtags: #RyderCup #Golf #PGA #BethpageBlack #LIVGolf
The RDER Cup has always been different. No prize money, no appearance fees, just 12 of the best golfers from Europe, 12 from the United States, and three days of pure competition. It’s supposed to be golf stripped back to its essence. Team pride, national rivalry, and bragging rights. But starting in September 2025, that changes. On December 16th, 2024, the PGA of America approved a new package for the US team at Beth Page Black. $500,000 per player. $300,000 goes to charity of the player’s choice. $200,000 is a personal stipend. So, what happened? Why make the change now? And does it risk ending the very tradition that makes the RDER Cup special? Let’s break it down. The RDER Cup’s unique tradition. For decades, the RDER Cup has been the one event where money didn’t matter. Weektoe professional golf is about massive prize funds and solo careers. The majors, the FedEx Cup, earnings define legacies. The Ryder Cup though was positioned as the exception. No purses, no checks, just a continental battle every two years. That framing helped make it unique. Players talk about the pressure and emotion as unlike anything else. Fans call it golf’s Olympics, and critics of commercialization could point to the Ryder Cup as proof that some corners of sport still ran on pride. This edition lands at Beth Page Black New York this week, one of the games most demanding public courses and a guaranteed cauldron. But the no money line in the sand, it just moved. A debate older than you think. This isn’t the first time pay has come up. The controversy boiled over in 1999 at Brooklyn when several US players openly questioned why they weren’t compensated for an event generating huge broadcast and sponsorship revenue. The compromise was a charitable allocation. Instead of prize money, each American player directed $200,000 to charity or junior golf initiatives. That approach, no personal pay, endured right through Rome 2023. On the European side, a portion of profit supports the RDER Cup European Development Trust, which funds grassroots projects across the continent. In short, money was always in the building and just didn’t go to the players. Hatgate, the spark in Rome. At the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, a small detail became the story. Patrick Kentlay wasn’t wearing a Team USA cap. The rumor, he was protesting the lack of pay. Kentlay denied it, saying simply, “The hat doesn’t fit.” Everyone knows that. But the narrative had momentum. European fans waved their hats, chanted, and turned it into theater. On Saturday, Kentlay drained approximately 43 ft birdie on 18 to win his fourball match oneup, then mimed a cap tip. His caddy, Joe Lava, waved his own hat and strayed near Rory Mroy, who was lining up a putt. Words followed on the green and minutes later came the viral parking lot confrontation with Shane Lowry ushering Mroy away as tempers flared. Whether or not Hatgate was about money, it supercharged the conversation. Fans, players, and media were suddenly debating compensation more loudly than ever. The new policy for 2025. One year later, the PGA of America made a historic move. For Beth Page 2025, each US player and the captain receives $500,000 total, $300,000 to charity, plus $200,000 stipend. Two important clarifications. One, it’s separate from expenses. Travel, lodging, and team costs are covered elsewhere. The stipend isn’t a reimbursement. Two, it wasn’t demanded by players. The PGA of America has said no players asked to be paid. The organization initiated the change out of respect for the players and in recognition of the event’s growth. A neat human detail, US Captain Keegan Bradley has said he’ll donate his entire allocation. This is also not without precedent in American team golf. The PGA of America notes the approach mirrors elements of the president’s cup model, which already mixes charitable funding with a stipen for the US side. Is this the right move? Let us know what you think in the comments. Why now? Three forces brought this to a head. Firstly, the spotlight pressure after Rome. Hatgate made compensation the public headline. Even if Kantlay’s reason was fit, not finance, the perception that players wanted to be paid stuck. Secondly, the commercial scale. The Ryder Cup is a global juggernaut. TV rights, sponsorship, hospitality. For many observers, it felt increasingly outdated that the primary talent, the players, received no direct payment at all. And third, player relations in a shifting landscape. With the sport resorting itself in the wake of live golf and ongoing tour governing body negotiations, a modest stipend is a tangible signal to the US team that their role is valued. The European contrast, team Europe has not announced any direct pay plan. Leading European voices, notably Rory Mroy and Captain Luke Donald, have repeatedly framed the event as something played for pride and legacy, not pay. That sets up an intriguing cultural split. America now mixes pride plus charity plus stipened. Europe remains pride plus charity. Expect fans to make noise about it, especially at a New York venue where the atmosphere will be lively. Does this change the RDER Cup? On one hand, no. For the world’s best, $200,000 isn’t life-changing money. It won’t alter match strategy. The competition will still be about pairings, putts, and handling pressure. On the other hand, yes. Symbolically, the Ryder Cup’s identity always rested on the idea that it was different. Introducing a stipen blurs that line. A useful scale check, $500,000 per player, is roughly equivalent to a top 10 finish at a major. It’s real money, but small next to annual earnings. The bigger impact is narrative, the moment the cup officially acknowledged player compensation. Will it overshadow the golf? Probably not once the first T grandstand starts shaking. But the old no money myth is gone. The new story is how the money flows heavily to charity with a slice to players and whether that balance feels right. The bigger picture. Step back and the move fits a broader reality. Golf has been renegotiating what value looks like for tours, for organizers, for players. Ever since the sports ecosystem fractured, questions about revenue sharing, event ownership, and player leverage aren’t going away. The Ryder Cup payment package doesn’t cheapen the competition by itself. If anything, it formalizes what many already believed. That in 2025, a flagship sporting event can honor tradition and acknowledge the people who make it a mustwatch. Meanwhile, Europe’s stance preserves a clear contrast. Two models, two cultures, one trophy. It adds fuel to a rivalry that never needed extra kindling. Ryder Cup’s future. So, is this the end of Ryder Cup tradition? Not entirely. The chance will still rattle the grandstands at Beth Paige Black. The nerves will still spike on every 5-footer. The team rooms will still be tight, emotional, and allin. But something fundamental has shifted. For the first time, US players will be paid, not just in pride, not just through charity, but in dollars. The old bright line between the Ryder Cup and the rest of professional golf is a little blurriier. Maybe that’s inevitable when an event grows to this size. Maybe it’s overdue recognition. Either way, the decision will shape how fans, players, and the game itself view the RDER Cup for years to come. Because in 2025, the hats might fit, and the debate over money isn’t going anywhere. Thanks for watching. For more great golfing content, don’t forget to like and subscribe.
47 Comments
If you enjoy the video, SUBSCRIBE for more!!
If you need money to be more motivated there s something wrong. If both teams would have put 500K per player of the winning teamto charity the optics would be way better. Especially for americans of which 60 % lives from paycheck to paycheck.
The Yanks should ask the Saudi’s for a little blood money – a few are taking it now 😂
🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺
You are wealthy beyond most people’s ken. You are given first class air travel, 5 star plus accommodation, gourmet meals and a chance to play the game you love on one of the world’s great courses. On top of that – you are given prime time coverage with no doubt a spike in sales of what ever clubs you use. But above all you are given the opportunity to play for your flag. Think of all the soldiers who “ play” for their flag with little more than minimum wage and a drill sergeant screaming at them. Somebody was making money because those booze tents certainly seemed to have been well patronised by the state of some of the crowd. The US team are now paid $500k each to be split $300k for a cause and $200k for personal expenses. The European money continues to not go to the players but to good causes such as supporting grassroots golf. Like Donald hit the nail on the head in regard to the spirit of the game. “ it is not about prize money or ranking points, it’s about pride, it’s about representing your flag, your shirt and the legacy you leave behind.” If money is your goal – there’s a simple solution – turn down your spot and give it to a patriot who believes in sport. They might even play better.
GREED everywhere. PGA, players, sponsors, TV, concessions. EVERYWHERE.
It’s the American way isn’t it
As Oscar Wilde said. The Americans know the price of everything but the value of nothing.
And they complained about l.i.v. hypocrisy!!!!
The New York Fans missed the stop on the LIRR. They were planning to goto Yankee Stadium. Long Island team missed the playoff. Mets. The Queens fans are pissed. They took there frustration out on the golf course. I'd rather give my money to a public park, Bethpage Public Park rather then a Mets baseball team at Citi Field.
The money for the public park on long island was amazing. Think how much money the PGA, the greater Long Island Community of New York, and the Yankees make. Mets on Long Island missed the playoffs. Look at their payroll.
Like these spoiled brats need money😂
All these players are multi millionaires. Why are they so greedy, so stupid?
Europe had strong characters like Rahm, Lowry, Fleetwood, Rose on their
team. The US had no one of that calibre. Money grabbing weaklings
would sum them up.
They should be playing for pride
Oh keep bashing US players and fans…but nothing about Europe players and fans acted.. the whole thing was a shit show…mclydick..lowry…rose…all instigated shit
selfish and greedy
Maybe I’m wrong,but understand that most,if not all donated the full amount to their favorite charity…I was upset at first,but okay if they donated all..
Since the British team was expanded to a European team in 1979 the Europeans have won 14 times compared to 9 for the US. They have always understood that team play was the only way to beat the Americans, who are always highly focussed on individual achievement.
American golfers solely focused on money got exactly what they deserved – a good thrashing!
They can play as individuals but are incapable of acting as a team. Too busy counting their money!
A team and a crowd full of MAGA , Trumpers one and all , what a vile country it’s become
does Europe Golfers get Paid
This is why the Ryder cup is different especially in Europe, I think all profits should be pumped back into the Game as many of local clubs are living from hand to mouth on trying to keep membership fees attractive for the larger population and not for just the rich and wealthy. I watched the competition in the US on this occasion and every other hole played there was a TV advert and split screens on other holes so watching the Golf on one half with advertising on the other side with this revenue pouring in to the TV promoters. These people should also pump some of their earnings back into this wonderful game called Golf.
Only in morally bankrupt country like the USA, would money be more important than friendly competition. Why would the PGA give $200,000 each to a bunch of millionaires just for being selected. America has become a money addled, greedy and corrupt country led by so called golfing elites!
The Ryder Cup has always been more than just another tournament. It is golf at its purest—where players put aside prize money and personal ambition to represent their countries on one of sport’s grandest stages. To be chosen is an honor, not a transaction. And yet, some American players—among them Patrick Cantlay and even U.S. captain Keegan Bradley—have argued that they should be paid to compete. The very idea undermines the spirit of the Ryder Cup and insults its proud history. If wearing the stars and stripes is not reward enough, perhaps those players should not be chosen at all. The PGA of America has already caved partway, offering half a million dollars per player. But why? These are athletes who earn staggering sums week in and week out, not journeymen scraping to make a living. For them, it seems, it is never enough. Pride, legacy, and the honor of representing their country have taken a back seat to yet another pay-check. This attitude does nothing to promote golf. It shrinks the game down to a business deal, stripping away the very essence of what makes the Ryder Cup special. Fans do not flock to the Ryder Cup to watch millionaires line their pockets—they come to see players fight for their country, their team, and something larger than themselves. The Ryder Cup should never be about money. It should remain what it has always been: a celebration of pride, tradition, and the rare moments when golf transcends the individual. Those who cannot see that simply do not deserve to be part of it.
Thank You Luke Donald, could he hav waited a week to blurt it out, think it was an accident, is there anything that Luke and Paul Mcginley wouldn’t do, the European Team, can take That Cup and Keep It Over in London, at least they have one 1 thing.
Seems the norm in the states, money, forget anything else.
Three days without pay, once every three years. Heartbreaking, isn't it? 🙂
Bryson de Chumpo is the worst thing there is for a game of skill.
It gave the Europeans moral ground
Why not letting the winner decide to which charity ALL of the profits of the event go.
Because it’s surely going into someone’s pockets at the moment. PGA and DP World Tour are for sure not leaving the money out there on the course
If the Americans are being paid then the captain should not have picks he should have to go with the top twelve players.
And they pretend to be patriotes? Sadly, it has been like that before. This time we cannot accuse the greedy and primitive president. What can we do to wake up the MAGA world? Yes I know, it is difficult to talk to stupid people, but ask Trump, he can!
US fans behaviour was abysmal bad language in front of families and throwing beer at players wives America was shamed
It takes the Americans to LOWER THE TONE…….
I felt good ,because I thought all donated…should have known better..Thanks,Sharon
Money! the root of all evil. It is as true today as when Paul said it 2000 years ago.
Ridiculous – they don't need any more money. They just want to put the blame on something else instead of accepting and taking responsibility for behaving like cave men. This is even worse than before. Can't be bothered with the american golfers any more.
It’s down to the US national sport of “greed”
As an American and an avid golfer this sickens me. The current PGA is taking golf into an area it was never intended to be. At least the Europeans still understand what the Ryder Cup is all about. Jay Monahan and the others that supported paying the players should be fired.
It's time to put the hole Ryder cup thing to rest. We are down to basic greed, typical American. Let's just kill the bloody thing.
Greedy, losers, and with the worst crowd in the world.
Welcome to US.
American golfers are great! Don’t let Europeans bully you guys. Stay strong Freedom of speech! If they don’t like Americans they can go where they belong
So close to $67 thousand per day isn't life changing?
The yanks would never lose if they got a bonus for winning greedy bastards
So now we know the $ number required to eat an embarrassing lose on Home soil. The future for US Ryder Cup teams just got really dismal. Pay to play… Sad really! :/
Typical American way of life, greed to the core but in Europe we believe in work life balance. To play for your country or event like the Ryder cup is a privilege.
These Europeans virtue signaling about the money while actively demanding the tournament organizers profit by an additional 6 million dollars rather than donating that 6 million to charity is hilarious