Europe’s message: pride over pay
At the opening ceremony, Team Europe captain Luke Donald stressed that his squad are fuelled by something money cannot buy. He said the Ryder Cup is about pride, legacy, and representing families, teammates, nations, and a continent, not prize money or ranking points.
USA introduce payments for the first time
For the first time in the event’s 98-year history, every USA player is receiving $500,000 to participate, with $300,000 going to a chosen charity and $200,000 as a stipend. The policy dominated the build-up at Bethpage Black, and Donald twice noted that European players are not being paid.
Chasing an away win
Europe aim for back-to-back victories and a first triumph on American soil since the 2012 “Miracle at Medinah.” Donald acknowledged the challenge and said winning away is never easy, but the team intend to lean on unity and intensity rather than financial incentives.
