Justin Rose has weighed in on the Ryder Cup payment controversy, emphasising that it’s about “playing for the badge” rather than financial gain. The debate continues following the PGA of America’s decision to compensate its players.
For the first time in nearly a century, the 12 members of Keegan Bradley’s American team at Bethpage Black in New York will receive payments, sharing $4.8 million (£3.8m), or $400,000 (£316,000) each. This move has been branded “disgraceful” by golfing great Dame Laura Davies.
European stalwarts have also expressed their views, with Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy highlighting their motivations are not monetary.
McIlroy even stated he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup, saying, “The two purest forms of competition in our game right now are the Ryder Cup and the Olympics, and it’s partly because of that, the purity of no money being involved,”
Rose, the 2016 Olympic champion and four-time Ryder Cup winner, shared this sentiment ahead of the Hong Kong Open, stating, “They are two of my top three moments in my career and none of them have been about the financial rewards,” and adding, “I think for us, we play for the badge and we also play for the European Tour.”
The Ryder Cup probably underpins many aspects of the European Tour, and it’s a great way to give back to the tour that supported us early in our careers. If that’s the motivation, then it’s as good as any.
The issue of Ryder Cup compensation has been debated for years, particularly among American players. The event generates significant revenue, and in 1999, Tiger Woods expressed his desire to have control over the distribution of some of the funds, stating he would donate his share to charity if given the opportunity.
The controversy resurfaced at last year’s Ryder Cup in Rome when a report claimed that Team USA’s Patrick Cantlay was refusing to wear a team hat in protest of not being paid for his participation. Cantlay denied the protest but did express his belief that players should receive compensation.
However, Justin Rose struggles to understand the PGA of America’s decision, given the relatively modest sum allocated to Bradley’s players compared to the substantial purses they compete for in other events throughout the season. “I didn’t quite get it. It’s not $4m each,” the former world No.
1 and 2013 US Open champion added. “It’s a lot of money, but it’s not changing any of those guys’ lives.”
