Luke Donald fires fresh pay dig at the USA in rousing Ryder Cup opening ceremony speech

Luke Donald fired a shot at the USA during his speech at the opening ceremony with the European captain saying the Ryder Cup "isn't about prize money" and the visitors are "fuelled by something money cannot buy" - just as the hosts have introduced payments for players.

The opening ceremony was bought forward 24 hours due to fears over bad weather and Donald, who is captaining Europe for the second time in succession, again made reference to the pay dispute that has dominated the build-up to the 2025 edition.

European players continue to pay for free but the Americans will be paid for the first time after the subject remained contentious two years ago, where Patrick Cantlay refused to wear his hat in a silent protest to make his frustration known.

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Donald stepped up first and said: “To lead these men, is one of the greatest privileges of my life. Not just individual players, from nine nations, but one team. Defined by unity, playing for something greater than ourselves. It means so much to us, and it’s unlike anything else in this sport, it’s not about prize money or world ranking points. It’s about pride. Representing your flag, shirt and the legacy you leave behind.”

Keegan Bradley and his 12-man side will each collect £370,000 - a huge chunk of which must be directed towards charity. The American captain has argued that the break from tradition at Bethpage Black in New York would bring the competition into “today’s age.”

Donald has claimed in recent days that he held discussions with his players over whether they - like their American counterparts - wanted to be paid. He took huge pride in them wanting to play for nothing and believed the experience would supersede anything else.

“This isn’t a week to get paid,” Donald said on Monday. “We have such strong purpose in this team, in what we play for, and to be honest we reinvest some of that money back into the experience of these guys.

“I feel like, if you have those experiences that you remember for the rest of your life, that’s worth more than a couple hundred thousand dollars in the back of your pocket.”

Donald is aiming to lead a first away win in the Ryder Cup since 2012, with the Miracle at Medinah etched into sporting folklore. Hosting the tournament has proved a huge advantage and the captain knows the challenge that awaits in front of a hostile crowd.

"We know what awaits us, Bethpage is not shy, loyal and ferociously loud, rightly so," he said. “You respect effort over ego, those who fight, grind and rise to the big occasions. You make us earn every cheer. We may not be your team, but we’ll give you something to respect, admire and maybe something to cheer for."