Overview

• For the first time, the PGA of America authorized $500,000 per U.S. player and captain, and multiple Americans — including Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay — said they plan to donate their stipends to charity.
• Europe rejected payment for participation, with captain Luke Donald saying his team agreed this is not a week to get paid, sharpening the contrast with the U.S. approach.
• To acclimate to Bethpage’s expected hostility, Europe issued virtual-reality headsets simulating crowd abuse, a preparation Rory McIlroy said aims to desensitize players before competition begins Friday.
• President Donald Trump is due to attend the opening day, with Scheffler and teammates suggesting his presence could boost the home side without distracting their preparations.
• Rosters and strategies are set — Europe returns 11 of 12 from its 2023 win with Rasmus Hojgaard in, the U.S. finalized pairings in practice groups — and a Boyle Sports predictive model favors a narrow American victory, projecting a 57.1% chance for the hosts.