Ryder Cup Pay Row: Schauffele Defends $500,000 Charity Donation Amid Team USA Criticism
Xander Schauffele has addressed the controversy surrounding Team USA's Ryder Cup payments, emphasizing that all funds will go to charitable causes. Each player receives $500,000, with $300,000 automatically allocated to charity and the remaining $200,000 stipend also intended for charitable donations.
Man golfing in red shirt
The two-time Major champion expressed frustration over public misconceptions, stating that players are unfairly criticized despite their charitable intentions. USA captain Keegan Bradley had originally planned a coordinated charitable initiative before the payment details were leaked.
"I just see it as a whole lot of money going to charity and we're going to take a lot of c**p," Schauffele said at The Sentry in Hawaii. "We're used to playing in these team events and not getting paid and giving our portion away happily."
Man in suit against dark background
The team plans to support various Northeast community organizations, including the Fire Department and NYPD. Despite the controversy, Schauffele believes the situation will add excitement to the Ryder Cup rivalry at Bethpage Black later this year.
"Whenever there's a feud, what happens? It juices everything up around it. The Ryder Cup is going to do better because of this thing," he concluded.