One of Golf’s Biggest Traditions Ended: US Players to Receive Pay at 2025 Ryder Cup

As the 45th Ryder Cup looms at Bethpage State Park’s Black Course from September 26–28, a financial divide between the two teams has become one of the most talked-about storylines at the competition.

For the first time in Ryder Cup history, which spans nearly 100 years (the first event was held in 1927), the United States side will receive direct payments. Each U.S. player, along with captain Keegan Bradley, will be granted $500,000 apiece: $300,000 earmarked for charity and $200,000 as a personal stipend. Under earlier arrangements, all U.S. payments went strictly to charitable causes.

Bradley, defending the move, argues the decision modernizes the event and underscores the charitable focus still at play. He has pledged to donate his own personal portion, and several players, including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, and Xander Schauffele, have announced plans to do likewise. Critics, however, have questioned the optics, particularly if a paid U.S. roster underperforms.

Europeans Collectively Agree to Decline Compensation

On the other side, Europe’s contingent has remained united in principle: none of the 12 European players will accept payment. Captain Luke Donald has repeatedly framed the Ryder Cup as “not a week to get paid,” emphasizing pride, tradition, and the deeper connection to the DP World Tour. During a team meeting in Rome, the Europeans collectively agreed to decline compensation. Donald also warned that U.S. participants risk backlash if monetary incentives become a narrative.

Sports media are framing the disparity as one team being paid for competing at the premier golf competition involving teams, and the other using that reality as a rallying point. Some analysts say that Europe’s stance could galvanize their squad, turning the pay divide into emotional fuel. Meanwhile, U.S. supporters and organizers are aiming to balance modern financial structure with the traditional ethos of the event.

Both Teams’ Captains Seek to Temper Tension

While money would seem to be a natural flashpoint, both captains have sought to temper the tension. Bradley maintains his focus is squarely on performance, not politics. Donald, for his part, has downplayed the heat, insisting that the spirit of competition and team legacy remain paramount.

As the teams begin practice rounds and fine-tune pairings, the pay issue may fade in the face of matchups, crowd energy, and on-course execution. But at Bethpage Black, the underlying contrast serves as a powerful subplot: one side embracing compensation (albeit largely charitable), the other standing firm in principle.

No matter the outcome, this Ryder Cup, where Team USA is given the role of the favorite by every biggest betting site with golf markets on offer, may be remembered as much for this financial schism as for who lifts the trophy.