Bethpage Black, New York: Team Europe captain Luke Donald took a pointed swipe at the US squad during the Ryder Cup opening ceremony, highlighting that his players are “fuelled by something money can’t buy.”
Speaking at Bethpage Black, Donald contrasted Europe’s approach with the American team’s historic decision to pay its players for the first time in the 98-year history of the event. Each US player, along with captain Keegan Bradley, is allocated $500,000, with $300,000 earmarked for charity and $200,000 available at their discretion.
Donald said, “The Ryder Cup means so much to each and every one of us. It is unlike anything else in our sport. It is not about prize money or world ranking points. It’s about pride, representing your flag, your shirts, and the legacy you leave behind.”
He praised his European team for rejecting the offer of payment, adding: “We are fuelled by something money cannot buy: Purpose, brotherhood and a responsibility to honour those who came before us, while inspiring those whose time is yet to come.”
Donald also acknowledged the challenge of competing in front of passionate American crowds. “New York is a place where if you show up with talent and a fighting spirit, the city will get behind you, although maybe not if you are wearing European blue this week. Bethpage isn’t exactly shy. This is New York sports country—passionate, loyal and ferociously loud.”
Meanwhile, Bradley defended the US payments, stressing the charitable component and asserting that the financial reward aligns with practices at the Presidents Cup. Several US players, including Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, and Xander Schauffele, have confirmed they will donate their discretionary earnings to charitable causes.
Europe aim to secure just their fifth away Ryder Cup victory and their first since the 2012 ‘Miracle at Medinah.’ Donald seeks to become the first captain to win back-to-back contests since Tony Jacklin.
