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Javier Ballesteros knows exactly what it means to play in the Ryder Cup thanks to the impact of his dad, Seve, and the Spaniard has had his say on American players being paid to play
There are not many players that optimise what the Ryder Cup means more than the late, great Seve Ballesteros, and the importance of the event to European golf has been passed down to his son Javier.
Ballesteros announced himself as a Ryder Cup stalwart during his time as both a player and a captain, and his impact within the Team Europe camp is still evident 14 years after losing his battle with cancer. Luke Donald ensured Ballesteros’ presence was felt in the locker room in Rome in 2023, in a bid to inspire his players.
And inspire he did, as the Europeans continued their dominance on home soil with victory at Marco Simone. Seve’s son Javier was able to see the role his dad played behind the scenes in Rome, having been invited by captain Donald.
Almost 16 months on, Europe’s win in Italy is now a thing of the past, with focus quickly turning to this year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. Just less than a year out, the drama surrounding the matchplay event has already begun after the PGA of America announced a controversial change for 2025.
Raising the eyebrows of many, the PGA confirmed that the 12 Team USA players will be paid to play for the very first time in Ryder Cup history. Having learned the importance of the matchplay event through his dad, Javier believes the decision on pay is the latest controversial chapter in golf’s ever-growing focus around money.
“The world of golf is a little bit crazy about money,” the Spaniard – who is now working as a player manager on the DP World Tour – told Mirror Sport. “They should earn money because they are the best players in the world, but they definitely should not earn money to play in the Ryder Cup.
“You have to play for your country and something bigger than you, there shouldn’t be any money. Those playing in the Ryder Cup are producing a lot of money, which is OK, but there should be no money involved in the Ryder Cup, that is 100 percent.”
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For now at least, the idea of Ryder Cup payments lies solely with the Americans, with the European camp seemingly more than content with playing for free. There is no doubt Team Europe have often taking on the tag of the underdog across Ryder Cup history, and this often something they have thrived off, especially in recent years.
Despite winning the event last time out, the tough test in front of raucous New York crowd will most likely make them the underdogs again. Ballesteros however believes this can work in Donald’s favour, especially with the pay row looming over the Americans, with the event meaning that little bit more to the away team.
“I am not saying that the Americans don’t want to win the Ryder Cup, they do, but I truly believe the Europeans want it more,” the Spaniard said. “Many times that has made the difference. Last year Europe had a super team, but America had a better team and we completely beat them. I think the European team wants it a little bit more, and in many Ryder Cups I think that has been the difference.”
