We all know how drama can escalate quickly in sports, and the 2023 Ryder Cup was no exception. Enter “Hatgate,” the controversy surrounding Patrick Cantlay’s decision not to wear the US team hat. Rumors swirled that Cantlay refused to don the hat unless he received payment, sparking a debate about pay-for-play issues in professional golf. Ironically, “Hatgate” may have united the US team, bringing them closer together amidst the controversy. However, as the latest rumor hit the fans regarding the 2025 Ryder Cup, fans have not received it very well.

However, coming back to Cantlay, he swiftly debunked the rumors, explaining that the hats simply didn’t fit his head. The European crowd responded with a lighthearted jab, waving their hats at Cantlay throughout the tournament. Things took a cheeky turn when Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava, waved his hat in Rory McIlroy’s face after Cantlay’s winning putt. Even Tiger Woods chimed in, calling the drama “noise” but acknowledging the emotions running high.

And now, once again, the golf world has undergone the same surge in emotions. The breaking news in the golf world is that U.S. Ryder Cup players may soon receive payment for their participation, with reports suggesting a whopping $400,000 per player.

This is big because, in the nearing 100-year history of the Ryder Cup, players have not been paid for participating. “U.S. players may soon be paid for competing in the Ryder Cup, however, nothing is official yet, per  @jcorrigangolf. The rumored amount per player is $400k and awaits approval at the board level,” read the latest post by NUCLR Golf and it seems like the fans have lost respect for Scottie Scheffler and Co. 

Furthermore, according to insider Jason Corrigan, the proposal is still awaiting board approval, but if green-lit, it would mark a significant shift in the tournament’s compensation structure. Notably, there are currently no plans to extend payment to European players. The fans are saying all kinds of things on the matter, and let’s just say it doesn’t look good for the U.S. golfers.

Netizens bash U.S. golfers participating in 2025 Ryder Cup

The golf fans are never one step behind in letting their favorite players know if they disagree with something and well, they disagree with a lot around here. The latest heat in the golf world is if the U.S. players should be paid to play in the Ryder Cup or not and well, just like any other time, the fans have some strong opinions about this one as well.

Starting off strong about the golfers getting to represent their home country, one fan wrote, “No, they should not be paid. It’s a privilege and honor to play for your country.” Similarly, another fan wrote, “It should be considered an honor to represent your country in sports. Not an opportunity for compensation. Are Olympic athletes paid?” Contrary to popular belief, U.S. Olympians don’t receive a salary for competing in the Olympics. However, they can rake in significant prize money and rewards for bringing home medals.

Thanks to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), American athletes can earn substantial payouts for their podium finishes. In 2021, CNBC reported that U.S. competitors took home over $37,000 for a gold medal, providing a lucrative incentive for excellence. But there’s more: the UK, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden don’t pay the players competing in the Olympics even if they win. This fan agreed with the others and said, “No – all the money raised should pay for the event and any excess should go to youth golf programs around the country.” Well, they’re not wrong here, as this approach can ensure that resources are allocated to nurture the next generation of golfers. Currently, many youth golf programs face significant challenges, with many junior golfers coming from affluent families.

Moving on, one fan straight up said, “Hell no,” as their answer, while the other suggested something that didn’t sound like a bad idea. “Pay whoever wins if you’re going to pay.” According to National Club Golfer, none of the 24 players or the winning team gets paid in the Ryder Cup. What do you think should happen here? Should the players get paid? Let us know in the comment section below!