Former PGA Tour winner criticises US team over Ryder Cup demand

Former PGA Tour winner turned Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee believes the European Ryder Cup team won't be the only side to endure abuse at Bethpage Black. 

The biennial clash between between the US and Europe is now only days away, with Keegan Bradley's men due square off with Luke Donald's dozen next week in New York. 

In recent weeks, debate has intensified over whether the home crowd will cross the line in their treatment of the European team.

Masters champion Rory McIlroy revealed last week at Wentworth the European team are preparing for the showdown by using virtual reality headsets.

Chamblee believes Bradley's team could get some abuse too, as the players are being paid for the first time in the 98-year history of the matches. 

All 12 US players will receive a "stipend" of $500,000, with $300,000 going to charity or charities of their choice. 

The PGA of America stressed that no player asked to for compensation before the package was agreed. 

Bradley has already pledged to give every penny away, but it remains to be seen whether this will be the case for the rest of the team. 

Chamblee told his podcast the fact the US team "demanded" compensation goes against the honour of representing your nation. 

"I hope that it is close because the last five haven't been, but I think there is this not talked about, but we will probably talk about it the week of the Ryder Cup, but this underlying element might percolate to some extent and keep the fans as being as partisan as they otherwise might be," he said. 

"Players have played for the honour of playing for their country and as so doing, carrying the hopes of millions of people, as you embody the values and spirit of your country on the world stage.

"This year the US team has demanded to be paid. Asking to be paid for the privilege of representing your country is antithetical to the honour of it. 

"It would be like doing a favour for a friend and then afterwards asking to be paid for it.

"Tell me that does not dishonour the gesture. I think that will prove to be some corrupting element to the US side.

"I think that it won't sit particularly well with people who are profoundly patriotic in the New York area and I think that will percolate and have an effect on the Ryder Cup.

"You can look at the paper and the average world ranking but the Ryder Cup is about so much more than that, it's about group dynamics."

The 2025 Ryder Cup will be played over 26-28 September. 

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