Captain Keegan Bradley began the opening day of practice at the Ryder Cup with all 12 players on the first tee, choosing that early morning moment behind closed doors to remind his squad of the privilege of representing the USA at golf’s most prestigious team event.

Hours later at the opening media conference, a benign set-piece designed to be all polite handshakes and bonhomie, Bradley was caught in an ambush of his own making.

For the first time in the history of the Ryder Cup the American players will be paid, and Bradley was the agent of change, charged with ushering in an arrangement that recognises the commercial value of the event.

How much Team USA will earn

The players will each receive $500k (about £369,000). Though they are obligated to donate $300k (£221,000) to charity, th

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