'It's A Bit Disgraceful'- Solheim Cup Legend Weighs In On Ryder Cup Pay Debate
Dame Laura Davies says it's "a bit disgraceful" that Ryder Cup players want paying to take part in the event
Dame Laura Davies feels it's "a bit disgraceful" for Ryder Cup players to want to be paid for playing in the prestigious event.
The Solheim Cup legend says she holds the team events between the USA and Europe as the highest honor in golf - and agreed with Rory McIlroy who said he would happily pay for the privilege of teeing it up in a Ryder Cup.
It's not a sentiment shared by some of Team USA though, with the Telegraph report that the Americans have successfully lobbied for a $400,000 payment each for next year's Ryder Cup in New York.
Former USA player Hunter Mahan told Golf Monthly why he agrees with the payments, while Paul McGinley is among those vehemently against it - as he sees the money being diverted away from grassroots golf.
McGinley's Sky Sports colleague Davies agrees, and is very much in the camp of those against such payments.
"Anyone that wants to be paid, I think its a bit disgraceful really, because if you're a Ryder Cup player you've earned a lot of money to get into the team," Davies said on Sky Sports' coverage of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
"So to want more, for whatever their reasons are...maybe they get the ones that aren't that bothered who will get the money and just give it to their foundations, which would be lovely obviously.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
"But to go on about money to get into the Ryder Cup, I just don't understand it."
Dame Laura Davies says it's a "bit disgraceful' that the American team will reportedly be paid for playing at the 2025 Ryder Cup 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TgTfpQiyHPNovember 15, 2024
Davies knows that the stance by some of the USA team is more about the principle of the players who produce the action on the course being paid for their efforts, rather the needing the money.
However, she can't understand why being paid would even be a consideration as she feels representing the USA or Europe in the Ryder Cup or Solheim Cup is the biggest honor in golf.
"I'm sure it's not all the players," she added. "It'll probably just be a few who want the money for their own reasons.
"It won't be because they need the money, it's because they feel that the players should be played, but I'm with Rory, I'd have loved to have played in another Solheim Cup - it's just the biggest honor you'll ever have in your career."
Paul Higham is a sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in covering most major sporting events for both Sky Sports and BBC Sport. He is currently freelance and covers the golf majors on the BBC Sport website. Highlights over the years include covering that epic Monday finish in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor and watching Rory McIlroy produce one of the most dominant Major wins at the 2011 US Open at Congressional. He also writes betting previews and still feels strangely proud of backing Danny Willett when he won the Masters in 2016 - Willett also praised his putting stroke during a media event before the Open at Hoylake. Favourite interviews he's conducted have been with McIlroy, Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn, Rickie Fowler and the enigma that is Victor Dubuisson. A big fan of watching any golf from any tour, sadly he spends more time writing about golf than playing these days with two young children, and as a big fair weather golfer claims playing in shorts is worth at least five shots. Being from Liverpool he loves the likes of Hoylake, Birkdale and the stretch of tracks along England's Golf Coast, but would say his favourite courses played are Kingsbarns and Portrush.
-
Which Players Secured PGA Tour Cards At PGA Tour Q-School?
Five PGA Tour cards, plus ties, were up for grabs in Florida and, after a dramatic week, a total of six cards were handed out to various players
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Multiple-Time LPGA Tour Winner Eyes 2026 Return
After 18 months away from the game, Jessica Korda is eyeing a return to action, with the American claiming 2026 is 'what we’re shooting for'
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Former US Ryder Cup Captains Join Forces In Bid To Have Pay Plans Overturned
Sports Illustrated has reported that 12 US Ryder Cup captains have written to the PGA of American lobbying against plans to pay players in the event
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Patrick Cantlay Blames 'Media Narrative' For Role In Ryder Cup Pay Dispute
Patrick Cantlay says reports of all American players wanting to be paid to play in the Ryder Cup is just part of a "media narrative"
By Paul Higham Published
-
'It's All Speculation At This Point' - Keegan Bradley Provides Ryder Cup Pay Update
The US Captain gave his thoughts on the recent news that his players would be getting paid to play in the 2025 Ryder Cup, claiming he was 'shocked to see the leaks'
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Scheffler Has No Problem With Ryder Cup Players Being Paid
Scottie Scheffler has no problem with players being paid to play in the Ryder Cup, but insists he and his fellow American team would happily pay themselves to take part
By Paul Higham Published
-
Patrick Reed Sets Sights On Ryder Cup Return
Patrick Reed is desperate to reprise his role as Captain America as he sets his sights on a Ryder Cup return at Bethpage Black in 2025
By Paul Higham Published
-
'So Much More Than Getting Paid' - Patrick Reed Against Ryder Cup Player Payments
Captain America himself Patrick Reed is against players being paid to play in the Ryder Cup, saying they shouldn't need money to take part in the iconic event
By Paul Higham Published
-
Paying Ryder Cup Players Is 'Wrong On A Lot Of Levels' - Says Former Europe Captain
Sky Sports pundit Paul McGinley says paying Ryder Cup players is 'wrong on a lot of levels' but most notably seeing money diverted away from grassroots golf
By Paul Higham Published
-
Rory McIlroy 'Would Pay For The Privilege' Of Playing In The Ryder Cup
Rory McIlroy can see the argument for players being paid to play in the Ryder Cup, but thinks it would upset the "purity" of the event for the Europeans
By Paul Higham Published