It is quite the contrast. As reports surface that the PGA of America is mulling plans to compensate the 12 members of the next American Ryder Cup side as much as $400,000 for their participation at Bethpage Black next September in the biennial match with Europe,

Rory McIlroy and other Europeans this week scoffed at the idea of compensation for participation in the Ryder Cup, saying they remain delighted to participate in the event merely for what European captain Luke Donald called "passion" for golf and country.

The seven-time European Ryder Cupper doesn't believe players need to be compensated for participation in the matches.