Golf Hall of Famer Says Players Being Paid for Ryder Cup Is 'a Bit Disgraceful'

A golf legend didn't hold back when speaking to Sky Sports Golf about reports of U.S. players being paid for Ryder Cup appearances.

Runner-up Meg Mallon, left, congratulates Sara Lee Classic champion Laura Davies on the 18th green at the Hermitage Golf Course in Nashville on May 8, 1994. Davies won by a single shot over defending champion Mallon before an estimated 19,000 fans, the largest Sunday crowd in the seven-year history of the LPGA event. / Rick Musacchio / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

This week, many notable figures in the golf world have been giving their opinion on the report that the United States players will each be paid $400,000 to participate in the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

On Thursday's Sky Sports Golf coverage, World Golf Hall of Fame member Laura Davies offered her thoughts on the matter.

"Anyone that wants to be paid...it's a bit disgraceful. If you're a Ryder Cup player, you've earned a lot of money to get on to the team.

"To go on about money to get into a Ryder Cup, I just don't understand it. I'm sure it's not all the players, it'll probably just be a few."

Dame Laura Davies says it's a "bit disgraceful' that the American team will reportedly be paid for playing at the 2025 Ryder Cup 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TgTfpQiyHP

— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) November 15, 2024

The Englishwoman's thoughts largely echo those of both Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry on the subject.

Davies earned 86 professional wins in her career including four major championships. She also appeared in 12 Solheim Cups, with record of 22–18–6.