Pride v money: Donald hails Europe's passion

US skipper relives '99 invasion, rallies troops

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Captains Luke Donald and Keegan Bradley voiced respect but took their shots on Wednesday in Ryder Cup opening ceremony comments.

The ceremony, advanced from Thursday due to thunderstorms in the forecast on the eve of today's opening matches at Bethpage Black, had thousands of supporters cheering each team.

Europe captain Donald took the opportunity to stress that unlike US players who are paid to play, European Ryder Cup stars play for their legacy alone.

US captain Keegan Bradley, meanwhile, played up one of Europe's most bitter Ryder Cup moments as a galvanising force for himself and the US team.

Since 1999, each US Ryder Cup player had received US$200,000 for charities of their choice but that was raised this year to $500,000, $300,000 for charity and $200,000 as a personal stipend to use however each liked.

In contrast, Europe players told Donald they did not want to be paid to play in the Ryder Cup, some seeing that as Europe players loving the Cup more than their American counterparts.