In the late 1990s, Tiger Woods was on the wrong side of a decision to compensate U.S. Ryder Cup players. At the time, the PGA of America had proposed paying players to reward them for their efforts in the biennial event, a move that was met with mixed reactions. Woods, then a young rising star, voiced concerns about the idea, as it conflicted with the spirit of the competition. However, last month, when news broke that the PGA of America was once again considering offering U.S. Ryder Cup players a financial reward, Woods welcomed the news.
The PGA’s latest proposal involves a $5 million pool to be distributed among the American team, with a portion earmarked for charitable causes. Woods, a 15-time major champion, believes that the donation will not only recognize the players’ efforts but also leave a lasting legacy by benefiting those in need.
Tiger Woods appeal to the golf community
“I would have to say that going back to my playing days, we had the same conversation back in ’99, we didn’t want to get paid, we wanted to give more money to charity, and the media turned it around against us and said we want to get paid,” Woods said Tuesday at the Hero World Challenge.
“The Ryder Cup itself makes so much money, why can’t we allocate it to various charities? I hope they would get $5 million each and donate it all to charity, different charities. I think it’s great. What’s wrong with that?”
According to a report in The Telegraph last month, the PGA of America is set to offer U.S. Ryder Cup players $400,000 to compete in next year’s matches at Bethpage Black. It remains unclear whether this money will be paid directly to the players or donated to a charity of their choice.
The proposed payment is part of a broader effort to provide financial rewards to players, although the specifics of how the funds will be allocated are still being discussed. This move follows growing conversations about compensating players for their Ryder Cup participation.
What do you think of the situation? Let us know in the comments section below!
