American players to receive stipend for participation
Former world No 6 said Europe have more ‘camaraderie’
Patrick Reed believes it “unnecessary” that his fellow Americans will be paid for participation in the upcoming Ryder Cup. Reed, who has missed out on what would have been a fourth Ryder Cup appearance at Bethpage, also said Europe carry the advantage of having the more closely knit team.
US players plus their captain, Keegan Bradley, will be given $500,000 (£368,300) – $300,000 (£221,000) of which must be donated to charity – for taking on Luke Donald’s Europe. The remaining $200,000 (£147,320) has been labelled a stipend. The topic was largely lost in fevered discussion over whether or not Bradley would pick himself as a player but remains hugely significant. Europe’s contingent have always been adamant they will not seek monetary reward for Ryder Cup appearances.
Reed, once nicknamed Captain America for his theatrics in the Ryder Cup, falls on the side of the Europeans in this debate. “I never played in that event and cared about playing it for money,” said the former Masters champion. “It was all about playing, representing my country and trying to win the cup. It’s just like playing in the Olympics; once every four years and it just means something to go out there and play for your country. There’s no dollar amount that I would want to play in a Ryder Cup or play in an Olympics.
