Americans will be paid to play in the Ryder Cup for the first time under a new PGA of America program announced Monday that gives them a $200,000 stipend and $300,000 for them to distribute to charity.

The $500,000 directed to each of the 12 players and the captain is an increase from the $200,000 — strictly for charity — that began when the pay-for-play issue first arose in 1999 ahead of the Brookline matches.

U.S. captain Keegan Bradley said in a text he would be giving his entire allocation to charity.

“We added the $200,000 stipend out of respect for the players ... so the players could have a say in where the money goes. It’s recognition for all the players have done for the Ryder Cup over the years,” President Don Rea said in a letter to past Ryder Cup captains, noting the stipend would be separate from what players get for expenses.

The PGA of America board met in person last week and approved the payment scheme.

“We’ve had so many meetings for a long time and it hasn’t gone up since 1999. We’re talking 25 years that it’s been at $200,000,” Rea said in a telephone interview, adding that $500,000 “seemed like the right place to land.”

“Everyone is appreciative of what the players are doing for the Ryder Cup.”

That appreciation now includes direct payment for their services, a change not only in the amount but 40% of it without stipulation where it goes.

The original deal in 1999 was $200,000 for each player, with half of that going to a college golf program and the other half to a charity of the player’s choice. For the Rome matches in 2023, the entire $200,000 went to whatever charity or foundation the players chose.

Rea noted in his letter to past Ryder Cup captains that it was similar to what the PGA Tour does for the Presidents Cup.

The Presidents Cup changed from players choosing a charity to players and captains getting $250,000 without stipulation starting in 2022.

The PGA of America announced its decision in a statement on its social media channels.

“The players and captains, past and present, are responsible for the Ryder Cup becoming the most special competition in golf and one of the most in-demand events on the international sports scene,” the PGA said.

“While no players asked to be compensated, the PGA of America Board of Directors has voted to increase the allocation to the members of the U.S. Ryder Cup team from $200,000 to be directed to charities — a figure unchanged since 1999 — to $500,000, with $300,000 of that to be directed to the charity or charities of the players’ choice. The balance is a stipend.

“Golf is a long-established vehicle for good and it’s exciting to imagine the impact the members of the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team will deliver for worthy causes and communities across the country, including the many initiatives that support the growth of the game.”