Golf chiefs in the US confirmed yesterday that an agreement has been reached with the American Ryder Cup players that settles the pay-for-play dispute which threatened to derail the US team before their victory at Brookline this year.
While no specifics have been mentioned, reports in the US have said players will receive $200,000 - but all the money will go to charities.
A PGA of America statement said: "We're pleased we have reached an agreement in concept with the players, and we will release details after the holidays."
The Ryder Cup had a windfall of $17,000,000 this year. It is believed that players and captain Ben Crenshaw will receive $100,000 each to donate to their favourite charities. They will direct the other $100,000 to their college - or several colleges - for a golf development programme designed by the PGA.
Meanwhile, record prizemoney of more than Stg£3 million will be up for grabs on next season's worldwide European Seniors Tour.
The schedule comprises a minimum of 17 tournaments - the same as this year - and includes new venues in Barbados, Germany and Portugal.
Tommy Horton, already with winnings of over £700,000 since he turned 50 in 1991, will be attempting to win the Seniors' Order of Merit for a fifth successive year.
Andy Stubbs, the circuit's managing director, said: "The European Seniors Tour, which started with just two tournaments, has continued to mature as it approaches its ninth season.
"The challenge, of course, is to maintain the progress of the first eight years and we now go into the new millennium safe in the knowledge that the European Seniors Tour is continuing to grow, offering more opportunities for all our members."
