Americans will be paid to play in the Ryder Cup for the first time under a PGA of America program that gives each player a $200,000 stipend and $300,000 to distribute to charity.
The $500,000 directed to each of the 12 players and the captain is an increase from the $200,000 — strictly for charity — that began when the pay-for-play issue first arose in 1999 ahead of the Brookline matches.
The PGA of America board met in person last week and approved the payment scheme, announcing it on their social channels Monday morning.
“We added the $200,000 stipend out of respect for the players … so the players could have a say in where the money goes,” PGA of America president Don Rea said in a letter to past Ryder Cup captains, noting the stipend would be separate from what players get for expenses. “It’s recognition for all the players have done for the Ryder Cup over the years.”
U.S. captain Keegan Bradley already said he will give his full allocation to charity. The $500,000 — 40% of it without stipulation where it goes — is roughly the equivalent of 10th place at the PGA Championship.
The PGA of America said no players asked to be compensated. It said the players and captain are responsible for the Ryder Cup becoming one of the top sporting events in the world.
“We’ve had so many meetings for a long time and it hasn’t gone up since 1999. We’re talking 25 years that it’s been at $200,000,” Rea said in a telephone interview, adding that $500,000 “seemed like the right place to land.”
“Everyone is appreciative of what the players are doing for the Ryder Cup.”
The original deal in 1999 was $200,000 for each player, with half of that going to a college golf program and the other half to a charity of the player’s choice. For the Rome matches in 2023, the entire $200,000 went to whatever charity or foundation the players chose.
Rea noted in his letter to past Ryder Cup captains that it was similar to what the PGA Tour does for the Presidents Cup.
“The players and captains, past and present, are responsible for the Ryder Cup becoming the most special competition in golf and one of the most in-demand events on the international sports scene,” the PGA said.
“… Golf is a long-established vehicle for good and it’s exciting to imagine the impact the members of the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team will deliver for worthy causes and communities across the country, including the many initiatives that support the growth of the game.”