Rory McIlroy Pushes Back on Ryder Cup Payment: “None of Us Need $400K”
Rory McIlroy Pushes Back on Ryder Cup Payment: “None of Us Need $400K”
Rory McIlroy has voiced his strong opposition to recent reports suggesting U.S. players might receive $400,000 each to compete in the 2025 Ryder Cup. Speaking to BBC Sport, McIlroy made it clear that he would “pay to play” for the European team, reinforcing his belief that the Ryder Cup’s purity lies in its non-monetary nature.
McIlroy on Ryder Cup Passion: “I’d Pay for the Privilege”
McIlroy, a seasoned Ryder Cup veteran, addressed the topic after taking an early lead in the DP World Tour Championship. Responding to claims that the PGA of America is considering paying its players for the 2025 Ryder Cup, McIlroy remarked, “I personally would pay for the privilege to play on the Ryder Cup.” He emphasized that the Ryder Cup and the Olympics represent “the two purest forms of competition in our game right now,” partly due to the absence of monetary incentives.
Reiterating that money would diminish the spirit of the Ryder Cup, McIlroy continued, “I don’t think any of the 24 players on either team needs that 400 grand. Every two years, there are 104 weeks, and 103 weeks you can play golf and get paid.” His comments underscore the perspective shared by the European team, where financial gain takes a backseat to the pride of representing their continent.
Controversy Sparks U.S. Payment Proposal
The discussion around Ryder Cup payments gained traction after controversies during the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, particularly involving U.S. player Patrick Cantlay. According to Sky Sports, Cantlay’s choice not to wear a cap during the event fueled rumors he was protesting the lack of payment. Though Cantlay’s camp dismissed the claims, European fans capitalized on the moment, waving their caps whenever Cantlay walked by.
The moment escalated when Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava, taunted European fans by waving his cap on the 18th green after a victory over McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick. Tensions boiled over, even carrying into the car park. Despite the drama, Team Europe ultimately triumphed with a five-point win.
McIlroy acknowledged the revenue the Ryder Cup generates, admitting, “It is one of the probably top five biggest sporting events in the world.” However, he clarified that “the Ryder Cup is so much more than that, especially to the Europeans and to this tour.”
North Berwick, Scotland - July 10th 2024: Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) during the pro-am at the Genesis Scottish Open 2024 at The Renaissance Club
A European Consensus: Allocate Money to Support Golf’s Growth
McIlroy revealed that European team members have collectively discussed the payment issue with Team Captain Luke Donald. The team agreed that, if available, funds would be better used elsewhere within the DP World Tour, especially for supporting other events or aiding The Challenge Tour. “The common consensus among us is that $5 million would be better off spent elsewhere on the DP World Tour,” McIlroy shared.
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He concluded by saying, “I think we would all welcome money if it didn’t change the dynamic, but the money really would change the dynamic. That’s why I think everyone is like, let’s not do that.” His sentiments echo those of his teammate Shane Lowry, reinforcing the unified stance of the European team on keeping the Ryder Cup about honor, not payment.
As the 2025 Ryder Cup approaches, McIlroy’s remarks remind fans and organizers alike that the essence of this iconic competition is the pride and camaraderie that comes from representing one’s team and country.
