Bradley defends pay-to-play plan as Ryder Cup at Bethpage draws criticism
US captain says charity funds and modernizing the event justify a first-of-its-kind payout, while critics argue tradition should prevail
Sports • 5 months ago
Keegan Bradley, the U.S. Ryder Cup captain, defended paying his players to compete at Bethpage Black, saying the arrangement would pay each American roughly £400,000 for this week’s match, with about £230,000 designated for charities and the remainder as a personal stipend. The plan, described as a first in Cup history, has drawn condemnation from figures on both sides of the Atlantic, including former eight-time major winner Tom Watson and European captain Luke Donald, who contends his team needs no extra incentive beyond wearing the shirt.
Bradley said he would donate his entire £400,000 to charity and argued the decision reflects an effort to bring the Ryder Cup into today’s age.