The Ryder Cup is one of the most coveted trophies in golf. The history, prestige, and pride for both country and continent makes the biennial exhibition one of the most exciting and emotionally charged events in sports.
It’s also a unique showcase for the world’s best players, 24 of whom are competing at Marco Simone in Rome this week, including all 13 of the top-ranked players in the world, from No. 1 Scottie Scheffler to No. 13 Tommy Fleetwood.
These players are accustomed to making millions of dollars every year, especially lately, with the introduction of designated events and their accompanying giant purses.
Scheffler topped this year’s PGA Tour money list with a whopping $21 million in earnings, thanks to two wins, 17 top 10s and 21 top 25s in 23 events. But his eye-popping total wasn’t a complete outlier. Jon Rahm cleared $16.5 million, Viktor Hovland banked $14.1 million, and Rory McIlroy took home $13.9 million. Patrick Cantlay, Wyndham Clark and Max Homa all earned more than $10 million too.
Given all the big money floating around these players, it’s natural to assume that an event like the Ryder Cup would also generate a massive payday for the players. But you may be surprised to learn how much players get for winning the Ryder Cup.
Zero.
Wait, what? It’s true. Players are not paid for participating in the Ryder Cup, even if they play on the winning team.
Ryder Cup history, results: Here’s who owns the historic event
They are, however, compensated in a different way. The PGA of America gives each U.S. player $200,000, which they can donate to a charity of their choice. With these biannual gifts, more than $28.6 million has been distributed to more than 200 charitable organizations since 1999.
On the European side, players reportedly don’t receive any money for playing in the Ryder Cup, but they do traditionally receive gifts from their captain.
In 2018, Team Europe was treated to a nice gift indeed — a personalized Rolex watch from captain Thomas Bjorn.
And gift-giving isn’t limited to the European contingent. In the wake of Team USA’s loss to Europe in 2018, U.S. captain Jim Furyk sent this lovely decanter to the European team.
And let’s not forget the enviable swag. Ralph Lauren, the official outfitter for the U.S. Ryder Cup team for the fifth consecutive time, provides a scripted wardrobe for players, their caddies and wives, and PGA executives.
Still, gifts and donations aside, what’s really at stake at the Ryder Cup is pride. Which team will gain the upper hand? Click here for a full viewing guide and how to watch.
