Donald: Europe fuelled by something money can’t buy as Ryder Cup heats up

Bethpage, New York — European captain Luke Donald said his team is "fuelled by something money can’t buy" as he intensified the Ryder Cup push ahead of the opening rounds. The United States will be paid for the first time in the event’s 98-year history, with each of the 12 players and captain Keegan Bradley receiving $500,000, of which $300,000 goes to a charity of the player's choice. The Europeans, by contrast, are not paid to play.

Donald drew a clear line between money and mission, insisting the biennial competition is about pride, representing one’s flag and the legacy left for future generations. "The Ryder Cup is not about prize money or ranking points. It’s about pride, it's about representing your flag, your shirt and the legacy you leave behind," he said during Wednesday's opening ceremony. He added: "We are fuelled by something money can’t buy - purpose, brotherhood and a responsibility to honour those who came before us, while inspiring those whose time is yet to come."

Elsewhere on the course, Collin Morikawa dismissed the notion that the cash could dull the Americans’ desire. Asked how much each American deserves, Morikawa said: "There's no number. It could be zero. It could be one dollar. There isn't a right or a wrong amount. "Look, I think at the end of the day, all 12 of us here playing when we tee it up on Friday, and before this all started, we just want to win the Ryder Cup. "We want to win it for ourselves. We want to win it for our country." Morikawa, who won The Open in 2021, said the financial support can help players give back to communities they care about and support teams behind them.

Morikawa is among the latest Americans to downplay the appearance money. Several teammates have said they will donate the full $500,000 to charity, including Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay and Morikawa himself. Not all U.S. players have disclosed how they will use the money, but Morikawa indicated the funds could expand opportunities to help people and communities that deserve recognition as much as the on-course effort.

The program has sparked controversy among Ryder Cup purists, with former European players and some ex-captains saying the policy conflicts with the event’s ethos. Darren Clarke has said the idea of being paid to play in the Ryder Cup does not sit well with him, and Paul McGinley called it a "massive mistake". American players, including Xander Schauffele, have pushed back, arguing that the money helps broaden support for the teams and their communities. Schauffele said the media should not sensationalize the issue and that the focus remains on winning the Cup for teammates and nation.

The dynamic comes as the competition has entered a tense phase, with the European side emphasizing unity as the Americans balance competing commercial opportunities with team duties. Donald’s remarks frame the week as a test of character and tradition rather than a financial arms race.

Trump-related attention has also colored the week, as British and American outlets note that U.S. President Donald Trump, a well-known golf enthusiast, may attend the event. Justin Rose, who represents Europe, said he would welcome Trump presenting the trophy if the Europeans can pull off an away win on Sunday. Rose said he would respect the president’s role but acknowledged the logistical realities that could affect any appearance. "I'm not sure he's going to want to be on the stage congratulating the team that wins in his backyard," Rose said. "But of course, he's the president, so [he gets] ultimate respect, and that would be a great opportunity." The president has been spotted at other high-profile events recently but is not currently scheduled to attend the weekend’s matches.

As the first Ryder Cup in which the Americans have been salaried, the event has shifted into a broader public conversation about compensation, purpose and the role of sport in philanthropy. The European team, seeking to extend its recent stretch of success in the biennial event, will rely on shared experience and a collective sense of duty to balance the on-course pressure with the tournament’s storied legacy. Bethpage Black in New York hosts the matches, which tee off Friday with the first foursomes and fourball sessions, followed by the singles on Sunday. The week’s narrative weaves together pride, pay, and the long arc of Ryder Cup history as players chase glory under the global spotlight.