Team USA agree to never-before-seen Ryder Cup rule change that will impact all players
The 45th Ryder Cup will be played in the United States in September and a new rule will be applied to the players representing Team USA for the first time.
Team USA will take on Team Europe over three days in late September at the Black Course of Bethpage State Park on Long Island, New York.
Captain Keegan Bradley will lead 12 players against Team USA's transatlantic foes, with six automatically selected based on their performance in the majors in 2024 and 2025 and this year's PGA Tour golf events.
The six automatic inclusions are Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English and Bryson DeChambeau.
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Along with the six teammates named as captain's picks by Bradley on Wednesday, they will become the first Team USA cohort to be paid for their participation.
It was announced in December that the USA team would be paid as part of a package agreed with the PGA of America, the organisers of the Ryder Cup.
"The 12 players will each receive $500,000 (£400,000), with $300,000 (£240,000) donated to a charity or charities chosen by each member of the team," reported BBC Sport.
Bradley was outside the top six contenders for Team USA selection, leaving him with a decision to make regarding whether or not to make himself a wildcard pick to compete against Luke Donald and Team Europe.
The Europeans, whose top qualifier Rory McIlroy has spoken out against payment for competing in the event, are looking to retain the Ryder Cup after Donald led them to victory in Italy two years ago.
Bradley decided not to select himself, speaking at the announcement of his relief that the choice had been made and the team was locked in.
Bradley's captain's picks complete Team USA line-up
The Team USA captain revealed his six remaining selections on Wednesday.
They are Justin Thomas, a fourth-time Ryder Cup competitor, three-timer Collin Morikawa, rookies Ben Griffin and Cameron Young, Ryder Cup stalwart Patrick Cantlay and second-time Team USA member Sam Burns.
The 2025 Ryder Cup will begin on Friday 26th September with eight foursome and fourball matches, followed by Saturday's eight matches and 12 matches on Sunday.
Chris Nee