Donald and Bradley tout respect, trade jabs at Ryder Cup opening ceremony

FARMINGDALE, New York: Captains Luke Donald and Keegan Bradley voiced respect but took their shots on Wednesday in Ryder Cup opening ceremony comments.

The ceremony, advanced from Thursday due to thunderstorms in the forecast on the eve of Friday’s opening matches at Bethpage Black, had thousands of supporters cheering each team.

Europe captain Donald took the opportunity to stress that unlike US players who are paid to play, European Ryder Cup stars play for their legacy alone.

US captain Keegan Bradley, meanwhile, played up one of Europe’s most bitter Ryder Cup moments as a galvanizing force for himself and the US team.

Since 1999, each US Ryder Cup player had received $200,000 for charities of their choice but that was raised this year to $500,000, $300,000 for charity and $200,000 as a personal stipend to use however each liked.

In contrast, Europe players told Donald they did not want to be paid to play in the Ryder Cup, some seeing that as Europe players loving the Cup more than their American counterparts.

“The Ryder Cup means so much to each and every one of us. It’s unlike anything else in our sport,” Donald said.

“It’s not about prize money or world ranking points. It’s about pride. It’s about representing your flag, your shirts, and the legacy you leave behind.

“Time and again, we’ve shown that when we come together as one with a shared purpose, we can achieve remarkable things.”

Europe captured the Cup in Rome in 2023 and hope to win this week for only the fifth time on US soil.

“Two years ago, we wrote a chapter in Rome. This week in New York, we aim to write history. We didn’t come here just to be a part of the show. We came here to earn our place in Ryder Cup folklore,” Donald said.

“The