Richest Ryder Cup Ever Will Dwarf Tiger Woods and 2012 Medinah Legends

The richest Ryder Cup in history looks set to overshadow Tiger Woods and the legends from the 'Miracle in Medinah' in 2012.

This year's competition begins on 26 September in New York, running through the weekend in what is already being billed as one of the most anticipated editions in history.

Team Europe arrive with hopes of finally ending the streak of home dominance, although they do arrive as slight underdogs. For Team USA they will be hope to extend their impressive home fun.

The last five Ryder Cups have all ended in convincing home victories, by at least five points. The drought for away teams stretches back to 2012, when Europe pulled one of the most extraordinary comebacks in sporting history.

Jose Maria Olazabal's team came back from 10-4 down to win 14.5-13.5 in what has become known as the 'Miracle in Medinah'.

Team Europe celebrate the Miracle in Medinah. Image: Mike Ehrmann / Staff via Getty

Since then the balance has been firmly in favour of the home team. Team USA have always been dominant, losing just four times in the 98-year history of the biennial event.

If Luke Donald and his team are able to pull off a victory this week, they will join a short list of European golfers to win a Ryder Cup on American soil.

This year's Ryder Cup also stands out for another reason, with the huge finances now involved in the sport.

According to data largely taken from ESPN's money lists, the combined earnings of both teams have more than doubled since that famous showdown in 2012.

Back then, Team Europe's total earnings came to $46.6m, averaging $3.88m per player.

For this edition, that this has risen to $114.2m, which works out at an average of $9.52m.

Rory McIlroy arriving for the Ryder Cup. Image: Richard Heathcote / Staff via Getty

By comparison, Team USA squad in 2012 earned a total of $68.9m, meaning an average of $5.74m per player.

But that has now risen to $116m, and an average of $9.67m

The financial gap between the two teams has narrowed significantly in recent years, helped by some major European names.

Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy especially, have been rewarded for their consistent success with sizeable pay cheques.

Players have traditionally never been paid to play in the Ryder Cup.

But for the first time this year, Team USA's players will each receive $500,000, with $300,000 donated to a charity or charities.

In contrast, Team Europe will continue to not pay their players.

McIlroy has been one of the most vocal critics of the American decision, insisting he would 'pay for the privilege to play in the Ryder Cup'.