AYE TO RYDER CUP PAY-FOR-PLAY

Each US golfer will get a stipend under an increased payout from 2025 edition

- 

NEW YORK - US Ryder Cup players will be paid to play in the biennial matchplay competition for the first time, starting with the 2025 edition at Bethpage Black in New York.

The PGA of America said in a statement on Dec 16 that US team members will each get US$500,000 (S$675,000), with US$300,000 of that going to charity and the remainder serving as a stipend.

The pay is an increase from the US$200,000 that was designated only for charity and had been in place since 1999.

The PGA of America added that no golfers asked to be compensated, and credited past and present players and captains for making the Ryder Cup one of the top sporting events in the world.

USA Today newspaper cited a letter to past Ryder Cup captains from PGA of American president Don Rea, who said the stipend was added "out of respect for the players" and would be separate from what they receive for expenses.