Tiger Woods has joined the growing chorus of his fellow Americans and some of Europe’s leading players calling for those competing in the Ryder Cup not be paid.

It was reported earlier last month, the PGA of America as organisers of the Ryder Cup when staged in the States, would and pending board member approval, remunerate all dozen USA team members with $400,000 for teeing-up at Bethpage Park.

Talk of the American team being paid to play clearly touched a nerve last year in Rome when Patrick Cantlay reportedly refused to wear an official team cap in protest over the non-payment issue.

‘Hatgate’, as it became known, spilled over into the weekend matches and was not helped by the visitors’ five point hiding on the Marco Simone course in Rome.

Tiger Woods adding his voice to calls that Ryder Cup players should not be paid to play for their country. Image Getty

News, however, the Ameicans may be payed has unleashed a backlash of disapproval with Rory McIlroy declaring he would pay to represent Europe while GolfByTourMiss has spoken this week to Americans Patrick Reed and Dustin Johnson, who between have played in nine Ryder Cups and they also agree the reported $400,000 payment per player should go to charity.

Now Woods speaking at this week’s Hero World Challenge has also agreed.

“It’s never really been about getting paid,” Woods explained Tuesday.

“It’s how can we allocate funds to help our sport or help things that we believe in back home because it’s so hard to get onto that team; there’s only 12 guys. What’s wrong with being able to allocate more funds?”

And the still potential future USA Ryder Cup captain says the PGA of America, as organisers Stateside of the Ryder Cup, should be paying more given also ticket costs next year will be an whopping $750 per day.

“I hope they would get $5 million each and donate it all to different charities,” Woods added.

“I think it’s great. What’s wrong with that?”

The Ryder Cup has turned into a cash cow for the PGA of America, which will undoubtedly shatter revenue records next year on Long Island. Corporate hospitality has already sold out, as have the $750 tickets that caused quite a stir.

“The Ryder Cup itself makes so much money; why can’t we allocate it to various charities?” Woods pressed.

“And what’s wrong with each player, 12 players getting a million dollars and the ability to divvy out to amazing charities they’re involved in that they can help out? It’s their hometowns, where they’re from, all the different junior golf associations or endeavors that the members are involved in.”

And Woods also highlighted this discussion is not new as it’s been raised in the past.

“I would have to say that going back to my playing days, we had the same conversation back in ‘99, and it was we didn’t want to get paid,” added Woods.

“We wanted to give more money to charity, and the media turned it around against us and said we want to get paid.”