The PGA of America just scored a huge win with the approaching Ryder Cup. As U.S. captain Keegan Bradley pointed out, these players were voted to donate $300,000 to 12 players who could donate to charities of their choice. Further, the nonprofit offered $200,000 in stipends for the players competing in the event. This decision is a departure from decades of practice. Charitable contributions related to the Ryder Cup have not changed since 1999.
Major winner Keegan Bradley recently disclosed that PGA of America contacted him. They sought his advice on how to best compensate players. He further pledged to donate his entire share of the compensation to charity.
“I think, for everyone, it’s a personal decision,” – Bradley
Xander Schauffele, on the other hand, was among players who thought they were getting no money at all. Here’s what he told them in an interview posted on their website. He lamented, though the change would result in players choosing zero dollars.
European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald celebrates with his team after winning the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome. Now he wants to help negotiate U.S. player compensation with European players after first hearing about it last summer on a call with European players. He emphasized the importance of addressing this issue proactively to maintain a spirit of collaboration and fairness.
The Ryder Cup competition is scheduled to begin this Friday. With the European team looking to become the first team to win on U.S. soil since their 2012 victory at Medinah Country Club, tensions are understandably high. As Donald noted, a few hundred thousand dollars doesn’t seem like a lot of money in the grand scheme. This sum would make a huge impact on player incentives at stake throughout the tournament.
“We all know how high the ticket prices are, and it’s going to be an expensive trip out for a family of four,” – Donald
Bradley understood that most players were hesitant to announce what they planned to earn. He touted his team’s steadfast dedication to community outreach and donations.
“A lot of guys aren’t comfortable sharing what they’re going to do with their money, but we’re going to donate. I don’t donate to charities to publicize what we’re doing. These guys on our team are incredible people, and they do a lot of incredible things with charity dollars and with their foundations,” – Bradley
Donald further warned of serious backlash if we put U.S. players in a position where they don’t have to perform based on their stipends.
“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
Considering these recent changes, Bradley stressed that the PGA of America wanted to take the Ryder Cup experience into the 21st century.
“PGA of America wanted to bring the Ryder Cup into the present day. The charity dollars hadn’t changed since 1999,” – Bradley
He went on to explain his prioritization of his own squad’s form over any worry about European response.
“I’m not concerned about what Europe does or what they think. I’m concerned about what my team is doing,” – Bradley
Hungry for glory, players on both sides are expecting one of the most hotly-contested Ryder Cups yet. Along the way, they’re taking generous advantage of this moment to fundraise for charitable beneficiaries, changing the relationship between competitive golf and philanthropy in the process.
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