Tiger Woods advocates for American players to be compensated millions for participating in the Ryder Cup, provided the funds are donated to charity. The PGA of America is on the verge of finalizing a groundbreaking agreement that would see each member of the US Ryder Cup team receive approximately $400,000 for their participation against Europe in September. This move represents a significant departure from tradition and has sparked considerable controversy, particularly given the $750 ticket price for the event at Bethpage. The European Ryder Cup team, however, remains steadfast in their belief that they should not share in the event's revenue.
Woods, speaking publicly for the first time since the Open Championship in July, expressed no objection to the proposed plan, but with a stipulation. "We had a similar discussion back in 1999," said the 15-time major winner. "We didn't want to be paid; we wanted to donate more money to charity. The media misconstrued our intentions and claimed we wanted payment. No, the Ryder Cup generates substantial revenue; why can't we allocate it to various charities? What's wrong with each of the 12 players receiving $1 million and distributing it to outstanding charities they are involved with? These charities support their hometowns, junior golf associations, and other initiatives the players are passionate about.
It's never been about getting paid; it's about how we can allocate funds to support our sport or causes we believe in back home. It's incredibly challenging to make the team, with only 12 spots available. What's wrong with increasing the allocation of funds?" Woods hopes that each player would receive $5 million, all of which would be donated to charity. He believes this is a commendable idea. "What's wrong with that?" he asked.
Woods, who has participated in eight Ryder Cups, is anticipated to captain the US team for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor. His involvement at Bethpage is uncertain, particularly given the likelihood that current captain Keegan Bradley will qualify for the team. Woods dismissed the contrasting payment approaches between the US and Europe, stating, "That's their right to say that. I understand that when the event is held in Europe, it subsidizes most of their Tour."
Woods is currently in the Bahamas, serving as the tournament host for the Hero World Challenge, a role he will continue until 2030. Due to back surgery in September, Woods will not be part of the 20-man field this year. However, he hopes to return to competitive play in 2025. "This year, I had to step back," Woods said. "I wasn't as sharp as I needed to be, and I didn't play as much as necessary leading up to the major championships. I didn't perform well in them. Hopefully, next year will be better; I'll be physically stronger and more prepared."
Woods was vague about the prospects of a peace deal between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. Prolonged negotiations have reignited speculation that the PIF might consider the DP World Tour in Europe as an alternative. "Even if we had reached a deal by now, it would still be in the hands of the Department of Justice," Woods explained. "But we wish we had something more concrete and further along than we currently do. I believe something will be finalized. In what form or shape, I'm not sure yet."
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