Rory McIlroy says he would “pay to play” for Europe in the Ryder Cup in the wake of reports that American golfers will each receive $400,000 (£350,000) to compete in next year’s context.
McIlroy was one of several European stars who said they do not need financial rewards to compete in the biennial match against the United States.
Last year’s contest in Rome was marked by Patrick Cantlay refusing to wear the American team cap in an apparent protest at the fact that the players were not being remunerated to appear.
The Daily Telegraph has reported that a deal has been struck with the PGA of America, subject to board approval, that would lead to each player in Keegan Bradley’s team receiving an equal split of $4.8m.
“I personally would pay for the privilege to play on the Ryder Cup,” McIlroy told BBC Sport after firing a five-under 67 to share the lead after round one of the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
“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.”
The American move comes at a time when prize money in men’s professional golf has reached record highs in response to the arrival of the lucrative Saudi Arabia funded breakaway LIV circuit.
“I don’t think any of the 24 players on either team needs that 400 grand,” McIlroy said. “Every two years, there are 104 weeks and 103 weeks you can play golf and get paid.”
Cantlay’s refusal to wear a cap in Rome led to European fans removing their headwear to taunt the American player.
It ultimately led to a spat between McIlroy and the US golfer’s caddie Joe LaCava that spilled into angry scenes in the clubhouse carpark.
“It was a discussion that was happening in Rome,” McIlroy added. “I can see the other side of the argument because the Ryder Cup does create a lot of revenue.
“It is one of the probably top five biggest sporting events in the world. So I get the argument that the talent should be or could be getting paid.
“But the Ryder Cup is so much more than that, especially to the Europeans and to this tour.”
The continental team represents the DP World Tour – formerly known as the European Tour, while the US side is administered by the PGA of America, the body that represents the country’s club professionals.
McIlroy said that he and his team-mates in captain Luke Donald’s side have no interest in being paid.
“We have all had a conversation with Luke about it over the past few weeks because we obviously heard,” McIlroy revealed.
“The common consensus among us is that $5m would be better off spent elsewhere on the DP World Tour to support other events or even to support The Challenge Tour.”
The Ryder Cup generates vast sums of money on both sides of the Atlantic. Next year’s match at Bethpage is a sell out despite daily tickets each costing a record $750.
“I think we would all welcome money if it didn’t change the dynamic but the money really would change the dynamic,” McIlroy said.
“That’s why I think everyone is like, let’s not do that.”
McIlroy shares the lead with Tyrell Hatton here in Dubai, where the first prize is $3m. Hatton said: “I’ve never thought about being paid to play in the Ryder Cup. It’s such an honour to be a part of that 12 that play.”
The Englishman competes on the LIV tour but remains eligible for the Ryder Cup while he appeals against punishments for playing without formal releases to appear on the breakaway circuit.
“The next 10 months I’ll be trying my best to be on that team,” Hatton said. “The US lads, it’s up to them. I’m on The European Team and I would love to be there at Bethpage.”
Bob MacIntyre, who made his debut in Europe’s victory in Italy last year, said his main priority is to be in New York next September.
“I just want to be on the Ryder Cup Team,” said the Scot. “Last year we didn’t get paid, and getting paid would not change the way I feel about the Ryder Cup.
“I wore my heart on my sleeve last year, and like everyone else on The European Team, it’s not about the money.”
And Ireland’s Shane Lowry said it is no sacrifice to be helping the European tour’s finances free of charge. “You’re not even giving back because it’s a privilege to be there,” said the former Open champion.
“I’d give anything to know that I’m on the team next year. I’m going to spend the next 10 months stressing my head off trying to make the team.”
