Tiger Woods Wants $5M for Ryder Cup Players, Donated to Charity

Tiger Woods has proposed that the 2025 Ryder Cup players each receive $5 million and donate it to charity. This suggestion follows reports that the 12 U.S. players will earn $400,000 each for competing in next year’s biennial event at Bethpage Black, New York. In the 97-year history of the Ryder Cup, organizers have never paid players to participate. Woods explained that this idea originates from discussions in 1999 when players wanted to donate any potential earnings to charity but the media misinterpreted them as wanting to be paid.

“The Ryder Cup generates so much money, why not allocate it to charities?” Woods said. He hopes the players will each receive $5 million and contribute it to various causes, emphasizing the difficulty of making the team. Woods believes this move could help raise more funds for charity while adding value to the event. Rory McIlroy, a four-time major champion, responded by saying he would “pay to play” for Europe, showing a different attitude towards the Ryder Cup.

However, Woods respects the European stance, acknowledging that the event helps subsidize their tour and is a significant occasion for them. Meanwhile, Woods, who has not played since July due to ongoing injuries, remains focused on returning to competitive golf. The 48-year-old is recovering from his sixth back surgery which he underwent in September to alleviate leg pain.

Tiger Woods admitted that his body’s recovery is not what it used to be but his desire to compete at the highest level remains strong. He stated that he is getting stronger and more flexible but still has a long way to go before being tournament-ready.