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.

Rory McIlroy said Thursday he would pay to appear in the Ryder Cup in the wake of a recent report that the PGA of America could compensate U.S. players.

A long-rumored change seems to be finally happening. As Golfweek reported last month, players on the United States Ryder Cup team are set to be paid for next year's biennial bash at Bethpage Black in New York.