The Ryder Cup has always succeeded in providing a stage for two nations to battle it out for fame, glory, and most importantly, love for one’s country. But even so, the question of pay naturally arises. Although the players are not compensated, being able to represent one’s nation is an immense honor, and Paige Spiranac couldn’t agree more.

With the 2023 edition taking a dramatic turn over the three days, including the controversy around Patrick Cantlay, it incited a lot of curiosity among many, including the model. Moreover, the golfing diva took to her podcast, in a surprising move, to open up about the events that transpired during the prestigious tournament, dubbing it nothing short of a “bad look for golf”!

Paige Spiranac shares her view on pay at the Ryder Cup

Although the Ryder Cup doesn’t provide any official compensation, including prize money, the PGA of America offers every member of its team $200,000 each, which is then divided between charities and various associations. However, reports indicated that many of the US players were dissatisfied with the same, all the while wanting to get paid for their appearance, resulting in Cantlay’s ‘Hat-Gate’ controversy.

Spiranac and Samantha Marks took to their podcast, Playing a Round with Paige, to call out the professionals who decided that they wanted to get paid. She mentioned how the golfers got so much money over the last two years but still wanted more. Continuing on her complaint, the model said, “Think about all of the athletes who sacrifice their entire lives for the Olympics; they’re not getting paid, they get a medal,“ all the while describing how it is such a “bad look for golf.“

Moreover, the blonde beauty pointed out how the money goes to charities and back into growing the sport, as per her understanding. Nevertheless, the influencer argued that they could have just asked Keegan Bradley, who’d die for the spot, instead of not doing something for the country’s pride.

However, the 30-year-old admitted that she understood where it was coming from. But even so, she was still critical of the “multimillionaires,” who said they didn’t want to make use of the “incredible opportunity” unless they got paid.

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Well, it truly makes one curious as to what happened during the biennial tournament. Although any average golf fan would remember the controversy surrounding Cantlay, it makes sense to take a small peek into the same.

Patrick Cantlay and his ‘Hat-Gate’ controversy

A report by certain British media outlets alleged that the 31-year-old believed that golfers should get paid for participating in the Ryder Cup. What’s more, he was accused of going hatless on the course in protest of the same, earning the wrath of many fans and players alike. The European crowd, especially, was critical of the American as they waved their hats at the player on Saturday.

This attempt at trolling was responded to with unity by the Zach Johnson-led team, as they took the same action when the Saturday four-ball match ended with them winning the last two holes. Moreover, Joe LaCava, Cantlay’s caddie, engaged in the same act of waving his cap during the last hole when Rory McIlroy was putting his ball in, leading to the Northern Irishman entering into a small tussle with him later on.

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