Hike in US prize pot is big blow to Europe

One week before the Ryder Cup, European golf was dealt a hammer blow when the American-based PGA tour announced an incredible increase to its FedEx Cup bonus structure — including the leading prize going up from $10million to $15m. As if it is not hard enough for Europe to keep its best players, the temptations to decamp to the PGA tour will grow, with the FedEx bonus pool in total increasing from $35m to an astonishing $70m. It means that even the man who finishes 10th at the end of the play-off events — reduced from four to three next year — will earn a seven-figure bonus. the man who finishes second will get $6m — more than Jack nicklaus pocketed in his entire career. the season changes dramatically next year, with the US PGA Championship moving to May and the play-offs taking in August. It means the period when the top Europeans play in Europe will shrink still further. Perhaps one or two events in the Middle East in January, the same in Britain and Ireland before the open in July — and that will be it until September. Meanwhile, on the eve of the conclusion of this year’s FedEx Cup, Paul Casey has declared himself fit for the Ryder Cup next week, after pulling out of the final round of the BMW Championship 10 days ago with a back niggle. ‘It was purely precautionary,’ said Casey. ‘I’d sat around for 10 hours owing to the rain delays and felt stiff. With the Ryder Cup so close I just didn’t want to take any chances. I feel great now.’