Tiger Woods wants U.S. Ryder Cup team members to get paid to play in the biennial tournament.
But he wants to donate the proceeds to a charity of their choice.
“It wasn't about getting paid,” Woods explained Tuesday.
“It's very difficult to get into a team, so it's how we can allocate funds to support our sport and support what we believe in back home. There are only 12 guys. No. What's wrong with being allocated more funds?
The question arose after a Telegraph report in November indicated that Bethpage Black's 12 American players would receive $400,000 in participation fees next year. Currently, US players are not receiving any compensation. Instead, the PGA is now allocating $200,000 for each player to donate to a charity of their choice, much in line with what Woods has already advocated for.
But the 15-time major champion wants the PGA to increase the stakes.
“I hope they each receive $5 million and donate it to various charities,” Woods added.
“I think that’s great. What’s wrong with that?
The Ryder Cup has been a cash cow for the PGA of America and is sure to break Long Island's revenue records next year. Corporate hospitality is already sold out, and the highly anticipated $750 tickets are also sold out.
“The Ryder Cup itself is very lucrative. Why can't we allocate it to different charities?” Woods pressed.
“And what's wrong with each player that 12 players can get $1 million and donate and support the amazing charities that they're a part of? It's their hometown and they , and all of the various junior golf associations and initiatives in which our members participate.”
Woods also pointed out that this dilemma is not new.
“I have to say, going back to my playing days, I had a similar conversation in 1999, and it was that I didn't want to get paid,” Woods said.
“We wanted to give more money to charity, but the media turned it against us and said we want to get paid.”
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through. Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
