Pay controversy looms ahead of Ryder Cup 2025, with a clear divide between the teams: while Team USA players are being offered payment to compete, Team Europe are seemingly playing purely for the love of the game.
Team Europe captain Luke Donald underscored that contrast during the opening ceremony on Wednesday, September 24, pointedly highlighting that his squad isn’t motivated by money – a subtle dig at their American rivals.
The Ryder Cup ‘unlike anything else’
“The Ryder Cup means so much to each and every one of us,” Donald said in his speech, quoted on Sky Sports.
“It is unlike anything else in our sport. It is not about prize money or world ranking points.
“It’s about pride. It’s about representing your flag, your shirts, and the legacy you leave behind. We play for our families, our teammates, our countries, our continent, and for the generations before us who made this event what it is today.”
With Team Europe chasing their first away victory since 2012, and Luke Donald aiming for successive wins as captain, he acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead.
He continued, saying: “We know it won’t be easy – winning away never is.
“Only four European teams have done it before. But that’s the beauty of sport. The toughest roads lead to the greatest rewards.
“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.”
Each Team USA player has been granted $500,000 to compete – with $300,000 earmarked for a charity of their choice, and $200,000 going directly to them.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Golf news: Luke Donald lauds Team Europe’s ‘purpose’ as Team USA pay talk dominates build-up to Ryder Cup 2025
The ‘fierce challenge’ ahead
“This is New York sports country – passionate, loyal and ferociously loud and rightly so. The fans respect effort over ego,” Donald said to fire up the New York crowd as anticipation builds ahead of the Cup.
“You show up for those that grind, those that fight and those who rise to the big occasions. You make us earn every cheer.
“We may not be your team but we will give you something to respect, something to admire and maybe, by the end of this week, something to cheer for.”
Meanwhile, Team USA captain Keegan Bradley added to the hype, saying: “Bethpage Black is known as the People’s Country Club, it’s been called New York’s home course, but this week – with your passion and energy – you are going to make it America’s home course.
“We are on a quest to reclaim the Ryder Cup. We face a mighty opponent, the challenge will be fierce, the pressure will be real.”
The highly anticipated Ryder Cup gets underway on Friday, September 26.
READ NEXT: Golf news: Luke Donald urged to trust gut feelings in Ryder Cup battle vs Team USA
Geoffrey H. Latayan 
Vivien Bernardino