LIV Golf’s Anthony Kim has voiced his support for American players receiving payment to participate in next year’s Ryder Cup.
Earlier this week, the PGA of America announced that players at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black will each receive $500,000. Of that amount, $300,000 will be donated to a charity of the player's choice, while the remaining $200,000 will be a “stipend” for personal use.
The PGA of America stated this decision was made despite “no players asking to be compensated.”
Despite the move coming under fire, Kim, who played in the 2008 Ryder Cup, has no objection to U.S. players being compensated for their participation.
“Loved @RyderCup experience but NOTHING wrong w players wanting 2 get compensated 4 working,” Kim wrote on X, addressing the controversy. “If @PGA gave all the proceeds of the event 2 charity players might think differently.”
The PGA of America justified its decision by acknowledging the role players and captains, past and present, have played in making the Ryder Cup one of the most prestigious events in golf.
“The players and captains 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,” the organization stated.
This move comes in the wake of controversy from the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome. During that event, Patrick Cantlay was accused of refusing to wear a hat as a protest against players not being compensated - a claim he denied.
In recent weeks, European stars like Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry have weighed in on the debate, with both stating they would “pay for the privilege” of representing their continent in the Ryder Cup.
American Patrick Reed, who has played in three Ryder Cups, even spoke out about the decision, exclusively telling Gulf News that he “doesn’t like that at all” when asked about U.S. players receiving money.
