McIlroy Opposes Ryder Cup Payment for Europeans

Rory McIlroy has expressed strong opposition to the idea of European Ryder Cup players demanding payment to compete, stating he would 'pay to play' instead. This comes in response to reports that American players may receive $400,000 each for the upcoming Ryder Cup, a move McIlroy believes could taint the event's purity, which he sees as one of the two most authentic competitions in golf alongside the Olympics. He emphasized that the European team sees the Ryder Cup as more than just a monetary opportunity, signaling a significant cultural divide between American and European players. McIlroy noted the discussions among European players have revealed no desire to follow the American lead in seeking payment, highlighting their commitment to the prestige of the event. The conversation around compensation has been reignited by past controversies, including Patrick Cantlay's protest during the last Ryder Cup, which drew significant attention. Ultimately, McIlroy's stance reinforces the view that pride and representation outweigh financial incentives for European golfers.