Hunter Mahan Speaks Out

Hunter Mahan has never played in The Ryder Cup and certainly, if he has to rely on being a captain's pick, he never will.

Why? Because Hunter has had the guts to express his thoughts on the event and how the players are exploited.

The silence, over the years, by the European players has been deafening, because the contest was commercialized on this side of the Atlantic.

Samuel Ryder, the seedsman from St. Albans, presented his trophy to the PGA in 1927 with the intent to "foster good will between professional golfers in Great Britain and The United States of America."

During the 1980s, the European PGA captured 50 percent of the rights to the trophy. Immediately, sponsorship commenced and has eventually taken over.

The first to feel the full impact was the traditional venues used to stage the matches in England and Scotland.

The last to so do was Walton Heath Golf Club in 1981.

The Ryder Cup was moved to The Belfry, a modern hotel complex, in 1985, 1989, 1993 and 2002. The course itself was initially poor. Ordinary spectators found it left a lot to be desired.

For example, public car parking was located 15 miles away, making it necessary for coach travel back and forth. Food was expensive, and toilet facilities were limited.

However, accommodation for officials, players and most importantly VIPs and guests of the sponsors were second to none. Commercialization produced plenty of money but demanded much in return!

Was it a coincidence the PGA obtained a modern headquarters beside the hotel in 1987?

When the fixture moved to Spain and Ireland, conditions remained the same. Valdaerrama, paid a massive sum to host the Cup in 1997. This was repeated in 2006 with the move to The K Club, who outbid Portmarnock by millions of Euros.

Incidentally, the green fees at both locations have "gone through the roof" since.

Once the decision to commercialize Samuel Ryder's dream was made, the die was cast and inevitably something must be given in return.

Fostering goodwill between the players became secondary. The sponsors demanded and received a return on their "investments," and that means those who organize the match are duty-bound to comply with the wishes of those who open their wallets.

In Ireland, there is an ancient saying: HE WHO PAYS THE PIPER CALLS THE TUNE.

Hunter Mahan is the first to speak. How many will have the courage to follow?