Declaring that he would “pay for the privilege” to represent Europe in golf’s greatest team event, Rory McIlroy has made it clear that he has no interest in receiving payment to compete in the Ryder Cup. This comes as reports surface that American players will each receive $400,000 to participate in next year’s match at Bethpage.
Speaking after the opening round of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, McIlroy was unequivocal in his stance, saying the Ryder Cup’s “purity” is what makes it such a special event.
“The Ryder Cup and the Olympics are the two purest forms of competition in our game right now, and it’s partly because of that, the purity of not having money involved,” the four-time major winner told BBC Sport.
McIlroy revealed that he and his fellow European teammates have discussed the matter with captain Luke Donald in recent weeks, and the “common consensus” is that the $4.8 million the Americans are set to split would be better used elsewhere on the DP World Tour.
“We have all had a conversation with Luke about it over the past few weeks because we obviously heard,” McIlroy said. We all agree that it would be more beneficial to allocate $5m to other events on the DP World Tour, or even to support The Challenge Tour.
The Ryder Cup is a hugely lucrative event, generating £9.3 million in profit from a turnover of £107.6 million at last year’s contest in Rome. Next year’s match at Bethpage is a sellout, with daily tickets costing a record $750.
However, McIlroy thinks that adding player payments would “change the dynamic” of an event that he and his teammates are proud to participate in. “I think we would all welcome money if it didn’t change the dynamic, but the money really would change it,” he said. “That’s why I think everyone is like, Let’s not do that.”
Tyrrell Hatton, who competes on the LIV Golf tour but remains eligible for the Ryder Cup, echoed McIlroy’s sentiments, saying, “I’ve never thought about being paid to play in the Ryder Cup. Being one of the 12 players is truly an honor.
Bob MacIntyre, who made his Ryder Cup debut last year, was even more forthright, stating, “Last year we didn’t get paid, and getting paid would not change the way I feel about the Ryder Cup. I just want to be on the Ryder Cup team.”
Shane Lowry of Ireland believes that representing Europe without payment is no sacrifice, even though the American players may stand to receive a significant financial reward.
“You’re not even giving back because it’s a privilege to be there,” said the former Open champion. “I’d give anything to know that I’m on the team next year. I will dedicate the next 10 months to relentlessly striving to secure a spot on the team.
In a separate interview, McIlroy also revealed plans to reduce his playing schedule in 2025, aiming to compete in 22 or 23 events, down from the 27 he has played this season.
“If I can trim it down to 22 or 23, that will be good for me in the long run,” said the world number three. “It’s important to keep in mind that I’m 35 years old, and I’m starting to show my age with the appearance of gray hair.”
McIlroy said he will continue to prioritize key DP World Tour events, such as the DP World Tour Championship, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, the Irish Open, and the Scottish Open, while scaling back on some of his PGA Tour commitments.
“I’m not going to miss these tournaments in the Middle East; I’m not going to miss Wentworth, the Irish Open, or the Scottish Open,” he explained. “There were a few events I played in America this season that I don’t typically play, and I think that’s where I’m going to have to trim a little bit.”
The Northern Irishman also acknowledged that he may have regretted not prioritizing the Race to Dubai more in his career, as he looks to secure a sixth title this week in Dubai and draw level with the late Seve Ballesteros.
“If I can win this week, that would be a really cool achievement,” McIlroy said. “I probably went a few years without prioritizing it, and [I] sort of regret that; I think I’d be a little closer to Monty than I am.”
As McIlroy prepares to add to his impressive Ryder Cup record, his commitment to the event and the DP World Tour is clear. His desire to preserve the “purity” of the Ryder Cup and to support the European game’s development makes him a true ambassador for the sport.