European captain Luke Donald took aim at the American team’s decision to offer payment to players during his speech at the Ryder Cup opening ceremony.
Donald is looking to lead Europe to back-to-back wins over the United States, whose players are being paid to feature for the first time in the biennial contest’s 98-year history.
Keegan Bradley and all his 12 American side are being allocated $500,000 to represent Team USA, with $300,000 (£223,000) donated to a charity of their choice and a $200,000 (£149,000) ‘stipend’ to spend how they wish.
Keegan Bradley defended the payments Team USA will receive for playing in the Ryder Cup, suggesting that some of the money will go to charity, including his full fee as captain
The debate around payment to American players has dominated build-up ahead of this year’s contest at Bethpage Black, live from Friday on Sky Sports Golf, with Donald twice making references in his speech to highlight European players were not getting paid.
“The Ryder Cup means so much to each and every one of us,” Donald said in his speech at Wednesday’s opening ceremony. “It is unlike anything else in our sport. It is not about prize money or world ranking points.
Luke Donald claimed he’s proud of his European team after they rejected the chance to be paid for playing in the Ryder Cup, adding that ‘it’s not a week to get paid’
“It’s about pride. It’s about representing your flag, your shirts, and the legacy you leave behind. We play for our families, our teammates, our countries, our continent, and for the generations before us who made this event what it is today.”
Europe chase just a fifth away Ryder Cup victory and a first since the 2012 ‘Miracle at Medinah’, with Donald – aiming to become the first back-to-back winning captain since Tony Jacklin – adding: “We know it won’t be easy – winning away never is.
Andrew Coltart, Dame Laura Davies and David Howell discuss Team USA’s decision to pay its Ryder Cup players for participation in this year’s tournament
“Only four European teams have done it before. But that’s the beauty of sport. The toughest roads lead to the greatest rewards. We are fuelled by something money cannot buy: Purpose, brotherhood and a responsibility to honour those who came before us, while inspiring those whose time is yet to come.”
Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay have all confirmed their intention to give any additional money to charitable causes, as did Bradley, while Collin Morikawa believes how the money is spent should be more of a story than the fee currently available.
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“There’s no number – it could be zero or it could be one dollar – there isn’t a right or a wrong amount. I think at the end of the day, all 12 of us here playing when we tee it up on Friday just want to win the Ryder Cup. We want to win it for ourselves and we want to win it for our country.”
Donald tries to win over New York crowd as Bradley confuses Justins!
Team Europe are ready to face a raucous crowd in their title defence, with the scheduled appearance of President Donald Trump on Friday afternoon expected to add to already fuel to an already patriotic American fanbase.
Team Europe captain Luke Donald gives you a guided tour of the facilities that he’s helped prepare for his team at Bethpage ahead of the Ryder Cup
“New York is a place where if you show up with talent and a fighting spirit, the city will get behind you, although maybe not if you are wearing European blue this week,” Donald admitted. “We know what awaits us, Bethpage isn’t exactly shy.
“This is New York sports country – passionate, loyal and ferociously loud and rightly so. The fans respect effort over ego. You show up for those that grind, those that fight and those who rise to the big occasions. You make us earn every cheer.
Luke Donald has been involved in making a motivational video – Our Time, Our Place – to inspire Team Europe ahead of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage as they look to become the first European team to win away since 2012
“We may not be your team but we will give you something to respect, something to admire and maybe, by the end of this week, something to cheer for.”
Donald’s opposite number Bradley accidentally mixed-up European veteran Justin Rose with Justin Leonard during his speech, as he discussed the famous putt from the 1999 Ryder Cup, although ended with a strong message to the American crowd.
“Bethpage Black is known as the People’s Country Club, it’s been called New York’s home course, but this week – with your passion and energy – you are going to make it America’s home course,” he said.
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“We are on a quest to reclaim the Ryder Cup. We face a mighty opponent, the challenge will be fierce, the pressure will be real.”
When is the Ryder Cup live on Sky Sports?
There will be extended live coverage from every day of Ryder Cup week, where Team Europe look to regain the trophy with a historic away win in the United States.
Round-the-clock coverage of the opening day’s play will begin with live build-up from 9am on Friday September 26, ahead of full coverage from midday and the opening tee shot at 12.10pm. Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.
