The Ryder Cup is one of golf’s longest-standing traditions, as the best players from Europe and the United States battle for international bragging rights.

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The players have competed in the event for nearly 100 years, but one change on the American side isn’t sitting well with one of Europe’s best players.

After Patrick Cantlay’s protest in Rome over players not being paid, American Ryder Cup golfers will now share an equal split of $4.8 million in the next event.

Rory McIlroy told BBC Sport on Thursday that if he were in the same position, he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup.

“I personally would pay for the privilege to play on the Ryder Cup,” the three-time major winner said.

“The two purest forms of competition in our game right now are the Ryder Cup and the Olympics, and it’s partly because of that, the purity of no money being involved.”

McIlroy then commented on the players who would be paid from the American team.

“I don’t think any of the 24 players on either team needs that 400 grand,” McIlroy continued.

“Every two years, there are 104 weeks and 103 weeks you can play golf and get paid.”

Despite his feelings on the topic, McIlroy acknowledged the desire that players have to be compensated.

Rory McIlroy at the Wells Fargo Championship.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 9: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks off the 18th hole green with his yardage book in hand after making a bogey during the first round of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club on May 9, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Keyur Khamar/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

Keyur Khamar/Getty Images

“It was a discussion that was happening in Rome. I can see the other side of the argument because the Ryder Cup does create a lot of revenue,” he said.

“It is one of the probably top five biggest sporting events in the world. So I get the argument that the talent should be or could be getting paid. But the Ryder Cup is so much more than that, especially to the Europeans and to this tour.”

McIlroy noted that he and his teammates have spoken to European captain Luke Donald about the matter, and they’ve unanimously agreed to not seek compensation.

“We have all had a conversation with Luke about it over the past few weeks because we obviously heard,” he told BBC Sport.

“The common consensus among us is that $5m would be better off spent elsewhere on the DP World Tour to support other events or even to support The Challenge Tour.”

Next year’s edition of the Ryder Cup will be held in the United States, at Bethpage Black in New York.