This year’s Ryder Cup was quite different from its previous editions, as much controversy surrounded it. Firstly, the involvement of LIV players dug out some not-so-buried skulls. Then the biggest drama came when Patrick Cantlay allegedly refused to wear the Team USA cap, and it was seen as a sort of rebellion for not getting paid to play.
Now a month after the event, with a new golf event embodying the prestigious international event, for the senior players starting, a Ryder Cup veteran who had the fortune to represent his country twice in 1985 and 1995 shares his own thoughts on the matter, dredging in the controversy once more!
Golf veteran shares his big take on the Ryder Cup money controversy
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For the senior players, a new championship, the World Champions Cup, is starting and is said to be a Ryder Cup for the elderly. The event will be played from December 7–10 at the Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida. Three teams—the U.S., Europe, and International—will be fighting for the trophy, and there is also the sweet reward of monetary compensation for the winning team.
Also playing in the tournament is Peter Jacobsen, who has played on the PGA Tour and has been an analyst for NBC for a long time. Before the new tournament, Jacobsen sat down with Sports Illustrated for a chat and shared his take on the controversial money matter. When asked about what they are playing for this week, money or a trophy, Peter said that the main focus is on the latter.
Speaking about the money matter, he said, “It was unfortunate to hear about the Ryder Cup controversy. I played on two Ryder Cup teams; I didn’t care about making money.” Jacobsen also added that times have changed since then and people have become money-oriented. “Just putting on the red, white, and blue and watching them raise the flag was enough for me.”
“The World Champions Cup will give golf fans the opportunity to see the game’s greatest players come together in a team format on the world’s biggest stage."
The PGA Tour Champions will be debuting a new team competition in the fall of 2022: https://t.co/sVfdsyE3Rz pic.twitter.com/j4upwmffsJ
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) March 18, 2021
The members of the winning team will get a replica of the trophy to take home. And in addition to that, even though pros like Jacobsen aren’t playing for the money, they will also get a sufficient paycheck. The player who places first will receive $100,000; the second place will be $75,000; and the third place will be $50,000.
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Peter Jacobsen is holding back criticism for players demanding
Continuing his statement, he added, “It was different then. It’s big money now, and I’m not going to criticize anybody for wanting prize money. I was not privy to what went on, but it might be time for the European PGA and the PGA of America to take a look at the money. I don’t have a recommendation because I’m not seated at the table.”
This controversy did overshadow a big part of the Ryder Cup this year. However, it seems like for the World Champions Cup, things are in a better state! Set teams haven’t been decided, but playing in the event are many golf legends like Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Steve Stricker, David Toms, Justin Leonard, Steven Alker, and Stephen Ames.
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Who do you think will grab the win? Let us know in the comments below.
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