World number one Scottie Scheffler and fellow US Ryder Cup players Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele have pledged to donate their USD $200,000 stipends to charity, following criticism over new payments introduced for American competitors.
All 12 US players, plus captain Keegan Bradley, are receiving $500,000 each, with $300,000 automatically directed to charitable causes—a rise from the $200,000 first set in 1999. If every player donates their remaining share, charities could receive $6.5 million.
While Scheffler and others defended the move as a chance to support local communities, critics including Tom Watson, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley argued Ryder Cup players should not be paid at all, stressing the event’s tradition of playing for pride and country.
European players continue to receive no payment, with captain Luke Donald warning US fans could resent the payouts if their team underperforms.
