Xander Schauffele joins Ryder Cup teammates in rejecting pay, directing funds to charity

In an unexpected turn of events, two-time major champion Xander Schauffele has decided to forgo the payment he was offered to compete in the prestigious Ryder Cup, following a wave of debate initiated by fellow golfer Rory McIlroy. The decision marks a significant moment in the biennial competition, where players are usually not paid for their participation.

The controversy began when the PGA of America, in a break from tradition, announced it would be compensating its players. Team USA captain Keegan Bradley made it clear that he would be donating his share of the payment to charity, and Schauffele has now followed suit.

Schauffele, known for his unyielding commitment to the game, made his stance clear after speaking out on the matter, stating: “I just see it as a whole lot of money going to charity, and we’re going to take a lot of c***,” he said, acknowledging the mixed reactions surrounding the decision to pay golfers. While some of Schauffele’s teammates were open to accepting the $500,000 (£395,000) payment, Schauffele chose a different route, standing firm on his beliefs.

It’s understood that each member of Team USA will receive around $500,000 (£395,000), but $300,000 (£237,000) of that total will be donated — half to a PGA of America programme and the other half to a charity of the player’s choice. Schauffele, alongside others like Bradley, opted to donate his portion to good causes, emphasising his desire to take the high road in the midst of the ongoing conversation about the role of money in the sport.

The decision comes after Rory McIlroy’s comments sparked a larger discussion on the matter. McIlroy had questioned whether it was appropriate for players to accept pay for a tournament that was traditionally non-compensatory. His remarks, which were made nearly a year ago, were echoed by a number of his colleagues, with many feeling uncomfortable about the shift in tradition.

For Schauffele, the move wasn’t about the money. “I don’t need it. There are bigger things in life,” Schauffele shared. The San Diego native’s refusal to accept the payment isn’t just a personal decision, but a statement on the growing influence of money in professional golf.

The 2025 Ryder Cup, set to take place at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, will see Schauffele and his fellow players tackle not just the famed course but the ongoing debate over the ethics of paying athletes in a tournament built on national pride and competition.

While Schauffele’s choice has earned admiration from some, others have questioned whether this stance will alter the landscape of professional golf. With large sums of money now on offer, there’s growing concern about the influence of corporate sponsorship and financial interests in shaping the future of the game. However, Schauffele remains steadfast in his belief that charitable donations are the right path forward.

With Schauffele’s decision, it’s clear that the debate over payment will continue to evolve in the coming months. Yet, it also underscores the importance of the Ryder Cup as a contest driven by national loyalty, skill, and a deep sense of pride — factors that are not easily overshadowed by financial compensation.

As the world eagerly anticipates the 2025 event, Schauffele’s refusal to accept payment has proven to be an impactful statement about the values that continue to shape the sport of golf.