
With the leaked news of the impending payments for the American Ryder Cup players causing much controversy, the sporting purists have got their hackles up. But is it deserved?
If we journey back to the advent of LIV, and the seemingly astronomical amounts of money paid to players to “jump ship”, similar points were raised:
- How much money does one person need?
- It’s just pure greed
- Look at where the money is coming from
The list went on and on… and on.
The morality of the source of the revenue is contentious. In truth I suspect that a deep dive into many big businesses would reveal information potentially jarring with our moral compass.
The PGA referencing atrocities such as 9/11 was just a blatant attempt to throw shade on an opposition who they quite obviously saw as a threat. Interesting that the moral arguments now seem to have disappeared?
So, to the players. In truth I doubt there are too many of us who, when offered significantly better pay, better hours and more holidays, would say no. However, the protests from a number of players that they were leaving to “grow the game” was pathetic. Harold Varner III was honest enough to state that the difference the money could make to him and future generations of his family and foundation, made it impossible to refuse.
Personally, I’d have had more respect for both parties if they had been so honest.
So, to the Ryder Cup. On one hand I fully appreciate the argument that without the players there is no event, and as such should they not be entitled to a slice of the pie – particularly when the figures now involved in the event have grown so large. On the other side I understand the argument that says the players should be proud and honoured to represent their country.
Personally, the argument of the amount actually involved is inconsequential. History is littered with people who had a fortune and blew it, who is to say what is enough? There are plenty of big business people whose earnings dwarf the best golfers in the world. Let’s not forget too that the golfing Gods are fickle. One day you can be the next big thing, only for your powers to seemingly desert you and a lost tour card ensues. Further the career of a golfer, though not as short as say a footballer, is relatively short, and so there is the argument that the players need to make hay whilst the sun shines.
One thing is not debatable; the Ryder Cup is a massive business. The revenues generated are enormous, and the event has grown into something so far removed from what Samuel Ryder instituted, that it is unrecognisable. As a PGA Professional one of my roles is to try and introduce more people to the game I love. The television spectacle that is the Ryder Cup, can only help do that in my opinion, so even in its moder guise it can certainly be a vehicle for good. The monies generated could most certainly facilitate this further through provision of equipment and coaching opportunities for those who might otherwise be unable to participate. We shouldn’t lose sight too of the fact that a number of the players being painted as mercenaries have their own charitable foundations and give back to causes which support the greater good. Therefore, it is not inconceivable that the monies earned might end up being put to good use either way.
For me personally, as someone who could only ever dream of being remotely talented enough to play in such an event, I would happily play for free, as most people reading this probably would be would do too. Equally as a kid growing up kicking a ball around the football pitches, I would have played for my beloved Dundee United for free too. But society has changed. I am not the idealistic kid I was, not to mention the absence of the athletic physique. When I was a kid parents, teachers and friends happily gave up their time to facilitate opportunities for wild eyed kids to try sports. Nowadays these roles have to be paid, and the amateur involvement in sporting delivery is dying; very few people are entirely altruistic, sad though it is. With this backdrop perhaps it is understandable that the players feel they too should be recompensed?
One thing that now looks certain is it looks as though there will be an even greater divide between the USA & Europe in the next iteration, with the Europeans seemingly taking the stance that they are doing it for the love, the passion, the glory, their Continent.