Criticism of the PGA of America is sure to follow should Europe secure their first away win since 2012 when they head to the Ryder Cup next week.
Bethpage Black has a chance to take what many already consider the best event in golf and raise it another level. It is not an easy one to call, and there is no clear favourite between the two captains heading into New York.
Keegan Bradley was playing some of his best golf when he was named captain last year. That led some people to wonder if the 2011 PGA Championship winner might even make his own team.
The Vermont native ultimately decided to focus solely on the captain role. However, this was not the only controversial call made by the governing body.
Tom Watson questions PGA of America’s decision before the Ryder Cup
During the 2023 Ryder Cup, reports surfaced that some American players were unhappy about not being paid to participate. This added tension led to memorable moments, including European fans waving their hats at Patrick Cantlay.
While those reports were downplayed at the time, it was confirmed ahead of this year’s event that each member of Team USA will receive $500,000, with $300,000 designated for charity.
It is unlikely any players will keep their share, but the decision has not been well-received anyway. For example, Tom Watson spoke out against it in an interview with Golf Central.
“I don’t agree with it. They gave us some money for our favoured charities. I think that was the right thing to do for the players, but I just don’t think that the players should be paid. They should be playing for their country and their teammates.”
Tom Watson suggests the player who would have made a good Ryder Cup captain
While it is easy to understand why some of the American players might feel frustrated, given how much money others make from the event, the decision to pay players could easily backfire if Europe win. The European team will not be paid for their appearance.
Watson is no stranger to criticism following a Ryder Cup. His second stint as captain in 2014 did not go smoothly.
The PGA of America may have been trying to recapture some of his earlier success, as he remains the last American captain to win an away Ryder Cup.
But things did not go as well during his time at Gleneagles, and his relationship with players was strained at times, which shows that the PGA of America have not always got it right when selecting their captains.
Justin Leonard was surprised he never got the chance to lead, and Watson also questioned why Larry Nelson was overlooked.
“Larry certainly has a great Ryder Cup record. He was overlooked on being captain and that was disappointing for him and a lot of people.
“The fact is that you can only pick a single captain every two years, but I like Larry and highly respect him as a golfer and a person. He would have made a good Ryder Cup captain.”
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