By Alex Smith
Copyright thesun
TEAM EUROPE’S star man Rory McIlroy has pocketed $107million in career earnings.
And American world No1 Scottie Scheffler is not far behind on $99m.
The pair will go head-to-head from September 26-28 at Bethpage Black Golf Course, New York in the Ryder Cup.
For close to a century players have not received cash to play but a controversial decision sees that change for the US.
Are players being paid to play in the Ryder Cup 2025?
Team USA are breaking a 98-year tradition at this year’s event.
For the first time ever, American players are going to be paid to play at the Ryder Cup.
The PGA of America have confirmed they will give Keegan Bradley’s team $500,000 (£395,000) each, with $300,000 (£237,000) of that to be donated to a charity or charities of the player’s choice.
The $200,000 (£158,000) remaining has been deemed a “stipend”, which is essentially a wage.
A statement from the PGA of America said that no player demanded payment.
It read: “The players and captains, past and present, are responsible for the Ryder Cup becoming the most special competition in golf and one of the most in-demand events on the international sports scene.
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“While no players asked to be compensated, the PGA of America board of directors has voted to increase the allocation to the members of the US Ryder Cup team.
“From $200,000 to be directed to charities – a figure unchanged since 1999 – to $500,000, with $300,000 of that to be directed to the charity or charities of the players’ choice.
“The balance is a stipend.
“Golf is a long-established vehicle for good, and it’s exciting to imagine the impact the members of the 2025 US Ryder Cup team will deliver for worthy causes and communities across the country, including the many initiatives that support the growth of the game.”
Will Team Europe stars get paid?
Team Europe are NOT set to follow suit and their players won’t be taking home a salary.
McIlroy went as far as saying he would “pay for the privilege to play” at the Ryder Cup.
He added: “The two purest forms of competition in our game right now are the Ryder Cup and Olympics, partly because of the purity of no money being involved.”
Captain Luke Donald said he was “100 per cent” against changing traditions.
Ryder Cup 2023 “Hatgate” controversy
When Europe won the previous Ryder Cup in Rome, US star Patrick Cantlay was at the centre of controversy over money.
He was allegedly unhappy over not being paid for his efforts and allegedly refused to wear the team’s cap in protest.
This was downplayed by the Americans and Cantlay claimed it was because the hat was too small for his head.
But it did not stop the European fans taunting him throughout by waving their hats every time he played a shot.
It led to tensions rising and McIlroy had a heated exchange with Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava in the car park.
