Tiger Woods has suggested that every American player competing in the Ryder Cup should be given $5 million (£3.9 million) and donate the money to charity.
Last month, it was reported that the 12 American players competing in the 45th edition of the biennial competition against Europe next year, at Bethpage Black in New York, would each earn $400,000.
In its 97-year history, players have never been paid money to play for their respective teams.
“We had the same conversation in 1999,” Woods said.
“We didn’t want to get paid. We wanted to give more money to charity, (but) the media turned on us and said we wanted to get paid.
“The Ryder Cup brings in so much money, why can’t we allocate it to various charities?
“I hope they (the American players) each get five million dollars and donate it all to different charities. I think it’s great. What’s wrong with that?
“It’s so hard to get into this team, there’s only 12 guys. What’s wrong with being able to allocate more funds?”
Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy says he will “pay to play” for Europe in the Ryder Cup following the reports.
Asked what that says about Europeans’ attitude to the Ryder Cup, Woods replied: “That’s fine, it’s their right to say that.
“If the Europeans want to pay to play in the Ryder Cup, then that’s their decision, that’s their team.
“I know once they’re on European soil it subsidizes most of their tour, so it’s a big event for the European tour. If they want to pay to be on it, so be it.”
“I’m not good at tournaments”
Woods says “the fire is still burning to compete,” but he remains sidelined due to injury until 2025.
Woods, a 15-time major winner, has not played since July’s Open, where he failed to qualify for the third consecutive major.
While recent years have seen the American ravaged by injuries, the 48-year-old remains focused on a competitive return.
“I’m not ready for the tournament yet, I’m still not there,” Woods said.
“When I’m ready to compete and play at the (high) level, then I will.
“The fire still burns to compete. The difference is that the recovery of the body to do so is not what it used to be.”
Woods’ most recent setback was due to back problems that spread, causing him pain in his legs.
In September, Woods underwent back surgery for the sixth time, two months after his last outing at Royal Troon.
“I didn’t think my back was going to hurt like this year,” Woods added, speaking at this week’s Hero World Challenge event he is hosting in the Bahamas.
“It was quite painful throughout the year and so I had another procedure to relieve the pain I had in my leg.
“I feel like I’m getting stronger, more flexible, but I still have a long way to go to be able to compete with these guys.”
