Former Captains Oppose Ryder Cup Player Payments

As the 2025 Ryder Cup approaches, a group of 12 former U.S. Ryder Cup captains has strongly opposed the PGA of America's proposal to pay players $400,000 each, a significant increase from the current $200,000 earmarked for charity donations. The captains argue that participation should be driven by patriotism rather than financial gain, with many emphasizing the importance of honoring past traditions and contributions to charity. Tiger Woods and other current players have expressed support for charitable donations but have not advocated for direct compensation. The controversy has roots in previous discussions about player payments dating back to the 1999 Ryder Cup. Amid this, Patrick Cantlay faced scrutiny for alleged protests during the last Ryder Cup, which he has denied. The ongoing debate highlights the clash between evolving financial expectations and traditional values in professional golf.