Anthony Kim backs U.S. players in Ryder Cup pay dispute: "Nothing wrong with it"

Anthony Kim has voiced his support for U.S. Ryder Cup players wanting to be paid to participate in the biennial showdown. 

It was finally confirmed on 16 December by the PGA of America that the 12 golfers who will tee it up at Bethpage Black next September will be paid $500,000 each. 

The caveat, though, is that each player will have to donate $300,000 to charity and they are allowed to do as they please with the remaining cash, which was referred to by the governing body as a 'stipend'. 

PGA of America president Don Rea said the stipend was added 'out of respect to the players' and stressed that no golfer asked to be compensated. 

Golf fans, critics, current and former players have taken a dim view of that claim though. 

It is widely assumed that some members within the Team USA set-up are annoyed that others benefit financially whilst they offer their services for free.

Patrick Cantlay has taken the brunt of the criticism. 

Cantlay reportedly didn't wear a Team USA cap in Rome last September as a protest for not being paid. 

He has repeatedly denied this is the case, stressing that the cap simply did not fit. 

Cantlay explained at the turn of the year that he would make it abundantly obvious if he were to ever protest about anything. 

When asked about the topic before the Hero World Challenge, he refused to comment. 

Kim took to X 24 hours after the news was confirmed where he claimed there was nothing wrong with players wanting to get paid. 

Though it would be a different story if all the proceeds went to charity, he said. 

"Loved @RyderCup experience but NOTHING wrong w players wanting 2 get compensated 4 working," he wrote on 17 December. 

"If @PGA gave all the proceeds of the event 2 charity players might think differently."

Kim cheekily suggested a match between LIV Golf and PGA Tour players is what the people 'really want'. 

The American, now 39 years old, has made one memorable appearance in the Ryder Cup. 

He was the star of the show as the U.S. trounced Europe at Valhalla Golf Club in 2008. 

Their victory was set in motion by Kim's dismantling of Sergio Garcia in the opening match of the Sunday singles. 

Kim stepped away from golf in 2012 and made his return to action this year with LIV Golf. 

In an interview with bunkered, Kim said he found it too difficult to watch his Ryder Cup highlights. 

The clips reminded him of a time where he was making all the wrong decisions, he said. 

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