Keegan Bradley, US Captain for 2025, addressed the rumors that are coming from day to day, regarding players being paid for playing at the Ryder Cup. The entire golf community has raised its voice regarding the latest rumors, mostly stressing that such things have to stop.
Keegan Bradley decided to comment on such rumors in the press, believing there isn’t much to be talked about.
Given that the US media wrote about it en masse a few days ago, there is apparently some truth in it, but many have the feeling that Bradley is frustrated mostly because someone ‘leaked’ the information. Bradley pointed out he’s shocked that someone decided to spread such information, although he admits that it is all speculation and that it’s still unknown whether the PGA of America will actually pay each of the golfers $400,000.
“To be honest with you, there’s not much to talk about; these leaks that came out were … leaks,” Bradley told SI.
“I was shocked to see the leaks, as was the PGA of America. As was everybody involved. There’s been nothing that’s been finalized, done. This is all speculation at this point. I was definitely disappointed that someone leaked out that information. That was a shock, for sure.”
Tiger Woods shares his opinion
Opinions of important people from the golf scene vary. The greatest name in this sport, Tiger Woods, at yesterday’s press conference, also decided to share his opinion regarding the latest rumors, considering that the Ryder Cup is a competition that earns a lot of money, so they should not have a problem giving that money to golfers.
Of course, Tiger explained his views, stressing that the golfers would direct a huge part of that profit to charities, which would be a great thing for all of the above parties. Tiger Woods also confirmed that this money could go to junior golf associations, supporting kids and young players.
Woods advocated such an idea back in 1999, but he believes that many have misunderstood his ideas. Woods wanted to emphasize that this money could help others, rather than golfers who are already earning huge sums.
“The Ryder Cup itself makes so much money, why can’t we allocate it to various charities?” Woods said. “And what’s wrong with each player, 12 players getting a million dollars and the ability to divvy out to amazing charities that they’re involved in that they can help out? It’s their hometowns, where they’re from, all the different junior golf associations or endeavors that the members are involved in.
Tiger Woods© Ten Golf / Youtube Channel Keegan Bradley shares an identical stance
Keegan Bradley is someone who shares an identical stance with Woods. However, the US Ryder Cup captain admits that he’s not familiar with what could happen in this case. PGA of America officials will make a decision that could change multiple things in the world of golf. Bradley points out that it’s important to be patient at this moment. He’s not someone who can significantly influence the decisions of important people within the PGA of America.
“What Tiger said was 100 percent correct,” Bradley says. “I don’t think the charity dollars have changed from ’99. It’s been the same number. But it’s the PGA of America’s decision. I have to wait and see what they want to do. I don’t have the power to change any of that.
Keegan Bradley on Cantlay’s and McIlroy’s case
The US Captain shared that none of the golfers asked for such a thing, which caused mixed reactions. Golf fans, on the other hand, believe things are quite different.
Bradley reflected on the incident at last year’s Ryder Cup in Rome, where the US team looked disastrous. The moment that attracted the public’s attention was when Patrick Cantlay decided not to wear a cap. The public was immediately directed towards him negatively, thinking that it was a protest because US golfers weren’t paid.
Bradley admits that he has no information about it, highlighting that there are many rumors.
The statements of Rory McIlroy, who said that he doesn’t want to be paid, attracted special attention. His views are so interesting, going so far that Rory is willing to pay to be part of the Ryder Cup.
Bradley expresses his respect for McIlroy and other players who consider participating in the Ryder Cup an honor. The US Captain stresses that the Ryder Cup finances a large part of their Tour. He believes that the Ryder Cup is the biggest event, stressing how great it is to play at home. The US team has high hopes, especially since they are the hosts this time.
