'It's All Speculation At This Point' - Keegan Bradley Provides Ryder Cup Pay Update

The US Captain gave his thoughts on the recent report that his players would be getting paid to play in the 2025 Ryder Cup, claiming he was 'shocked to see the leaks'

Keegan Bradley speaks to media at a Ryder Cup press conference
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The Ryder Cup is less than a year away and, in the build-up to the biggest event in golf, we have already had drama in the form of money, a topic that has dominated golf in the past few years.

According to The Telegraph, the PGA of America is set to agree to pay each player of Team USA $400,000 in next year's Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. This has caused a variety of reactions from players on both sides but to USA Captain Keegan Bradley has stressed that "it's all speculation at this point."

Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald talk to the media to discuss their plans for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black

Bradley and European Captain, Luke Donald, during the Ryder Cup 2024 Year to Go Media Event 

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Speaking to Sports Illustrated, the two-time Ryder Cup player stated: “To be honest with you, there’s not much to talk about; these leaks that came out were... leaks.

"I was shocked to see the leaks, as was the PGA of America. As was everybody involved. There’s been nothing that’s been finalized, done. This is all speculation at this point. I was definitely disappointed that someone leaked out that information. That was a shock, for sure.”

In the past week, American Patrick Reed has claimed that he is against players being paid to play in the Ryder Cup, whilst World No.1 Scottie Scheffler explained that Team USA are “more than willing to play in the Ryder Cup for free,” but has no problem with being paid to take part in next year’s event at Bethpage Black.

The biggest name to speak out on the matter, though, is eight-time Ryder Cupper Tiger Woods who, in his recent press conference at the Hero World Challenge, stated that players should receive as much money as possible (for the Ryder Cup), but only to give to charity and help grow the game and their local communities.

Keegan Bradley hits a tee shot with a driver during the 2014 Ryder Cup

Bradley has featured in two Ryder Cups, being on the losing side both times

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Agreeing with the 15-time Major winner, Bradley stated: “What Tiger said was 100 percent correct. I don’t think the charity dollars have changed from ’99. It’s been the same number.

"It’s the PGA of America’s decision. I have to wait and see what they want to do. I don’t have the power to change any of that. What I can say is that not a single player has asked for this, has come to me with this. No player was part of this. Zero percent.”

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x