Dame Laura Davies has blasted the decision to pay Team USA players for competing in the Ryder Cup, calling it “ridiculous” and claiming European legend Seve Ballesteros would be “turning in his grave” at the idea.
For the first time in the competition’s 98-year history, one side will receive an appearance fee, with the Americans set to pocket a £148,000 stipend each.
Luke Donald’s European team will play for pride alone, something Davies insists is the way the event should be contested.
“It’s ridiculous that the Americans want to get paid to play,” said Davies, the highest-scoring Solheim Cup player in history, speaking to BetMGM.
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“My understanding is that most of the money is going to charity — I’d be shocked if they don’t give it all — but even so, it feels like they just want to make a point. It doesn’t sit right with me.
“Demanding to be paid to play in the Ryder Cup — I have absolutely no idea what they’re thinking. The Europeans wouldn’t do it in a million years.
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Team USA players will get paid for playing at the Ryder Cup this year
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“Seve Ballesteros would turn in his grave if he heard they were doing it. Europe has too much respect for the team and for the flag. For me, playing in a Ryder Cup is more than enough.”
“I wasn’t surprised he didn’t choose himself, but on merit he’s one of the best 12 players America has right now.
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Keegan Bradley's picks for the Ryder Cup have come under scrutiny
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“Zach Johnson should have picked him for Rome last time, no doubt, but didn’t. I think personality is a big part of the decision-making these days.
“Sometimes it seems the Americans pick based on identity and friendship groups rather than who’s playing the best golf at that moment.”
Davies praised Bradley’s final six picks for Bethpage Black, saying the team “picked itself” and that she “didn’t envisage any surprises” in the line-up.
“It’s an incredibly strong team,” she added.
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Bethpage Black will play host to the 2025 Ryder Cup | GETTY“If players feel hard done by, they can’t rely on a captain’s pick. They have to qualify automatically.”
With emotions already running high ahead of Friday’s opening tee shot, Davies’ comments will only add spice to a contest that remains the ultimate test of team spirit in golf.
The tournament will commence later this week with Team Europe hoping to reign supreme once again.
Whether that happens remains to be seen.