Ian Mallon: The Hidden rewards as Ryder Cup players set for $50m in bonus fees

Let’s take a look at the financial side of the Ryder Cup and those taking part in one of sport’s greatest match-ups, where a week out, the markets are calling the USA at 5/4 and Europe at Evens.

HIDDEN REWARDS: Rory McIlroy gearing up for the Ryder Cup. Photo credit: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.

AT NEXT week’s Ryder Cup you will hear many times during coverage how players don’t get paid to play in golf’s greatest team competition.

The financial reality is that the Europe v USA match-up has grown to one of the highest returning events in the sport, all through a lucrative system of bonus payments and additional fees covering selection and match-winning success.