Europe is Ahead Before The Ryder Cup Has Even Begun
By: Derek Clements | Edited: Thu 25 Sep 2025
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The Ryder Cup hasn't even started yet, but for Golfshake's Derek Clements, it's already...
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I have repeatedly sung the praises of European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald. In the three years or so that he has held the job he has not once put a foot wrong.
And at the opening ceremony for this year’s contest at Bethpage Black he excelled himself one more time. As I listened to his speech I felt myself bursting with pride.
There has been much said and written about the Americans being paid to play in the contest.
It is abundantly clear that many of them now recognise it was a mistake. Several of them, led by world number one Scottie Scheffler, have announced that every cent they receive will be handed over to charity. Collin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay have followed suit. You will recall that two years ago Cantlay refused to wear a team cap in what was widely regarded as a protest against not being paid. It cannot have escaped your attention that he has been sporting full team colours this time around - and that includes a Team USA cap.
But it all smacks of "after the horse has bolted".
Before a shot had been struck in anger, Donald put the first metaphorical point on the board for Europe when he said: "The Ryder Cup is not about prize money or ranking points. It’s about pride, it's about representing your flag, your shirt and the legacy you leave behind.
"We are fuelled by something money can’t buy - purpose, brotherhood and a responsibility to honour those who came before us, while inspiring those whose time is yet to come."
He captured the spirit of the contest perfectly.
The reaction of his team indicated that they had no idea what was coming but it clearly hit the mark with each and every one of them. Robert MacIntyre turned to Rory McIlroy and quite clearly asked: "Did Luke really just say that?" Yes he did!
Sadly, it came as no surprise that many of the American fans in attendance chose to boo Donald’s remarks, but I am convinced that was only because they all know he is 100% correct. I applaud the Europeans for making it clear that they would never expect to be paid for representing their continent.
And let’s be perfectly clear - not one of the 24 players or officials representing America and Europe need the money. The players are all multi-millionaires. It should be enough to have the privilege of putting on the shirt - and for Europe it obviously is.
Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley and Nick Faldo are just three of the leading figures within the game who have spoken out against what amounts to appearance money.
Fears have been expressed about crowd behaviour in New York over the next few days but I cannot help feeling that the home fans will be just as likely to turn on their own team if things start to go wrong.
I was extremely disappointed to read that Matt Fitpatrick’s parents decided not to travel to New York, partly because of abusive American fans they encountered four years ago.
Fitzpatrick told The Times newspaper that his parents, Russell and Susan, were shocked by the unsavoury comments they heard directed towards the Europeans when the contest was last played on American soil at Whistling Straits.
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As if all that wasn’t bad enough, American captain Keegan Bradley then dropped the most enormous clanger when he told the assembled gathering that his interest in the Ryder Cup had been fuelled by Justin Rose holing a monstrous putt against Jose Maria Olazabal at Brookline in 1999 as America staged a remarkable comeback from 10-6 down. That would have been fine apart from the fact that the golfer who actually holed the putt was Justin Leonard. And just to rub it in, there was a bemused (and amused) Justin Rose sitting alongside his European teammates.
Bradley won a huge army of new fans with his decision not to take part at Bethpage as a playing captain. But this was a blunder he will struggle to live down.
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About the author
Derek Clements is a seasoned sports journalist and regular Golfshake contributor, specialising in tour coverage, opinion pieces, and feature writing. With a long career in national newspapers and golf media, he has reported on the game across Europe, the United States and Australia. A passionate golfer, he has played and reviewed numerous renowned courses, with personal favourites including Pebble Beach, Kingsbarns, Aldeburgh, Old Thorns and the K Club. His love of the game informs his thoughtful commentary on both professional golf and the wider golfing community.
The Ryder Cup is unlike any other tournament in golf and the atmosphere is something that every golf fan should experience. The experts at Golfbreaks.com can help with all aspects of your Ryder Cup experience, from accommodation and ticket packages to hospitality and travel and playing some of the fantastic nearby courses.
Tags: ryder cup Bethpage Black
