The Ryder Cup is set to witness a significant shift as the PGA of America plans to pay players for their participation next year at Bethpage Black, fulfilling a prophecy by Tiger Woods made a quarter of a century prior.
In an era-defining move, those donning the USA team colours will, for the first time in the history of the esteemed matchplay event, receive financial compensation - a stark contrast to traditions upheld since its inception.
A report from The Telegraph suggests that the PGA is poised to establish a $6million fund divided among the US team. Team members could see payments of $400,000 each as they strive to reclaim the Ryder Cup on home soil in 2025.
This groundbreaking development echoes the longstanding debate over compensation, which gained traction in 1999 when the legendary Woods expressed support for financial rewards.
"I would like to see us receive whatever the amount is," Woods commented back then. "200, 300, 400, 500,000 dollars, whatever it is – and I think we should be able to keep the money and do whatever we see fit. Personally, I would donate all of it to charity. But I think it's up to the other person's discretion what they would do with it."
Amidst discussions about earnings, Woods highlighted the players' right to influence where profits generated from the event are allocated.
Meanwhile, Tom Lehman, a team-mate of Woods, had to address the buzz, assuring fans that a boycott was not on the horizon although pay talks were rife within the group.
"Everybody is on the same page," Lehman declared. "There will not be compensation to players under any circumstance. The PGA of America heard what the players had to say about having a voice.
"The players want what's close to their hearts to be heard as well."
He also dismissed any notion of a boycott, stating, "The idea of a boycott was, is, and always will be... ridiculous."
Despite previous assertions, no boycott occurred, and it was later revealed that US team members each received $200,000, with half allocated to the Boys and Girls Club of America, Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship, and PGA Junior League Golf, and the remainder going to a charity chosen by each player.
However, the controversy over pay resurfaced in Italy last year, with Patrick Cantlay becoming the focal point. Sky Sports reported that Cantlay's stance on pay caused a rift within the US camp, leading him to forgo wearing a cap as a form of protest against not being paid.
Although the PGA Tour star denied his hatless appearance was a protest, he did not refute the suggestion that he believed he should be compensated for competing.
This article first appeared on the Mirror US
