Ryder Cup 2025: Donald Renews Criticism of U.S. Team Receiving Payment During Bethpage Black Opener

Luke Donald Revives Ryder Cup Pay Debate, Calls Out U.S. Team During Opening Ceremony at Bethpage Black

Luke Donald didn’t waste his moment on stage at Bethpage Black. During the Ryder Cup opening ceremony on Wednesday, the European captain reignited one of the most heated debates in modern golf: should players get paid to compete in the Ryder Cup? For Donald and his European squad, the answer remains a firm “no.”

In front of a packed New York crowd, Donald fired pointed remarks toward the Americans, who are each receiving $500,000 from the PGA of America for their participation this year. The contrast between the U.S. and Europe could not be clearer — while Team USA plays for money, Donald reminded fans that his side plays for something far less tangible but infinitely more powerful: pride.

“It is not about prize money or world ranking points. It’s about pride,” Donald told the audience. “It’s about representing your flag, your shirts, and the legacy you leave behind.”

Moments later, he emphasized the difference in philosophy once more, insisting that Europe’s motivation cannot be bought.

“We are fueled by something money cannot buy: purpose, brotherhood, and a responsibility to honor those who came before us, while inspiring those whose time is yet to come.”

Why Team USA Is Getting Paid This Year

The PGA of America recently boosted the Ryder Cup compensation package for U.S. players for the first time since 1999, when a controversial “pay-for-play” model was introduced. Previously, American golfers received $200,000, which went entirely to charities of their choice. This year, the amount was raised to $500,000 per player, with $300,000 earmarked for charity and the remaining $200,000 given directly to the players as a stipend.

Captain Keegan Bradley has already pledged to donate his entire $500,000, and he suggested that many teammates will do the same, though quietly.

“I think that’s a personal decision,” Bradley said earlier this week. “These guys do incredible things with their charity dollars and their foundations. A lot of them don’t feel the need to publicize it, and I feel the same way.”

Even with those assurances, the very existence of the stipend has been a sore point across the Atlantic. European stars have long maintained that payment has no place in the Ryder Cup. Rory McIlroy famously said last year that he would pay out of pocket just for the privilege of representing Europe in the event.

Donald Doubles Down

Donald’s words on Wednesday echoed his comments earlier in the week, where he flatly rejected the notion of Ryder Cup paydays.

“This isn’t a week to get paid,” he said in an interview with SkySports. “We have such strong purpose in this team, in what we play for, and to be honest, we reinvest some of that money back into the experience of these guys. If you have those experiences that you remember for the rest of your life, that’s worth more than a couple hundred thousand dollars in the back of your pocket.”

For Donald, the Ryder Cup is about creating moments that transcend money — memories forged in competition, camaraderie, and history. His remarks drew loud cheers from European fans and underscored the cultural divide that has defined the event for decades.

The Stage Is Set

With words sharpened and emotions already running high, the Ryder Cup officially tees off Friday morning with the opening foursomes. Europe enters the week having won eight of the past 11 editions, though they have lost their last two appearances on American soil. For the U.S., the home crowd at Bethpage Black may provide the edge, but for Donald’s Europe, pride and unity remain their greatest weapons.

Whether the pay debate will linger beyond this week remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Donald has ensured it will be a talking point as one of golf’s most iconic competitions begins.