What the United States Ryder Cup players will not say has very quickly become far more interesting than what they will. Uncomfortable shuffling has become this year’s norm at the Hero World Challenge, an event regarded as a stress-free opportunity to wind down at the conclusion of a hectic season. Last place in the Bahamas collects $150,000 (£117,000). Money, money, money, must be funny, in a rich man’s world.
It emerged last month that discussions are under way regarding payments of roughly $400,000 each to the dozen players who will represent the US against Europe at Bethpage in September. Validation can only arrive when the PGA of America appoints a new chief executive; it seems improbable at best that Seth Waugh’s successor will start his tenure by irritating golfers who became dangerously empowered long ago.
