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The Walker Cup has long been a proving ground for amateur golf\u2019s brightest stars. Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Thomas all sharpened their games in this biennial contest between the USA and Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I). In 2025, the 50th edition returns to Cypress Point Club on California\u2019s Monterey Peninsula\u2014a stage as beautiful as it is intimidating.<\/p>\n
What is the Walker Cup?<\/p>\n
Founded in 1922 and named for USGA president George Herbert Walker (grandfather of President George H.W. Bush), the Walker Cup brings together two 10-man teams: the best male amateurs from the United States and Great Britain & Ireland. The USA leads the series 39\u20139\u20131, but GB&I has authored memorable upsets, most recently in 2015 at Royal Lytham & St Annes.<\/p>\n
Across two days of foursomes (alternate shot) and singles matches, 26 points are at stake. The USA needs 13 to retain the Cup, GB&I needs 13.5 to reclaim it.<\/p>\n
Cypress Point: Match Play Magic<\/p>\n
Cypress Point has been called the most beautiful golf course in the world, and Captain Nathan Smith doesn\u2019t disagree. \u201cI think Cypress is by far the greatest golf club in the world,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s beyond words.\u201d<\/p>\n
Designed in 1928 by Alister MacKenzie, Cypress Point stretches just 6,620 yards, but every hole poses questions of precision, nerve, and strategy. From the cliffside par-3 16th to the short, drivable 9th, it\u2019s a venue built for drama. Smith particularly loves holes 5 through 9, which he calls \u201csome of the most fun holes you\u2019ll ever play.\u201d<\/p>\n
The last time Cypress Point hosted the Walker Cup was in 1981, when the USA prevailed 15\u20139. More than four decades later, the Match returns to a stage steeped in history and mystique.<\/p>\n
Team USA: Depth and Leadership<\/p>\n
Smith\u2019s squad blends teenage phenoms with seasoned veterans. The 10-man roster includes:<\/p>\n
Stewart Hagestad \u2014 34, a Walker Cup stalwart making his fifth appearance.Mason Howell \u2014 2025 U.S. Amateur champion at The Olympic Club.Jacob Modleski \u2014 Notre Dame standout and 2025 ACC Champion.Tommy Morrison \u2014 2024 European Amateur winner.Jase Summy \u2014 2025 Western Amateur champion.Jackson Koivun \u2014 World No. 1 amateur.Ben James \u2014 Returning Walker Cup veteran.Michael La Sasso \u2014 2025 NCAA individual champion.Ethan FangPreston Stout<\/p>\n
Alternates: Miles Russell (16), Max Herendeen (20).<\/p>\n
Captain Nathan Smith highlighted Koivun, James, and La Sasso early in the summer as the \u201ccore\u201d of his team. \u201cIncredible players\u2014but most importantly, they\u2019re great young men,\u201d he said. The captain also acknowledged the importance of honoring the Walker Cup\u2019s tradition of including a mid-amateur. The decision came down to Hagestad and Evan Beck, with Hagestad\u2019s experience and leadership carrying the day. <\/p>\n
Team GB&I: Talented and Underdog-Minded<\/p>\n
Captain Dean Robertson, a former European Tour winner, leads a side rich in storylines. The GB&I squad combines rising teenagers, seasoned internationals, and one of the amateur game\u2019s most intriguing comeback stories. Nine of the ten players were part of the team that defeated the Continent of Europe at the St Andrews Trophy earlier this summer.<\/p>\n
Tyler Weaver (England, 20) \u2014 The highest-ranked player on the team at No. 11 in WAGR. A polished ball-striker expected to anchor GB&I\u2019s singles lineup.Luke Poulter (England, 21) \u2014 Son of Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter, Luke brings pedigree and flair. Known for his short game and competitive edge.Connor Graham (Scotland, 18) \u2014 The youngest member of the team and the only returning player from 2023. Qualified for the 2025 Open at Royal Portrush.Niall Shiels Donegan (Scotland, 20) \u2014 Fresh off a semifinal run at the U.S. Amateur, Donegan has shown he can thrive on American soil.Cameron Adam (Scotland, 22) \u2014 Qualified for The Open at Royal Portrush. Long and composed under pressure.Stuart Grehan (Ireland, 32) \u2014 A former professional who regained amateur status, Grehan makes a long-awaited Walker Cup debut.Charlie Forster (England, 22) \u2014 A product of Basingstoke, Forster adds depth and strong team-match experience.Dominic Clemons (England, 23) \u2014 Known for his consistency and gritty competitive style.Eliot Baker (England, 22) \u2014 From Tiverton, Baker has built a steady amateur record with recent international success.Gavin Tiernan (Ireland, 19) \u2014 The youngest Irishman on the squad, Tiernan is seen as a future star.<\/p>\n
Reserve: Caolan Rafferty (Ireland, 32).<\/p>\n
\u201cThis talented team represents the very best in skill, unity, resilience and determination,\u201d Robertson said. \u201cWe are underdogs but I\u2019m confident we are equipped to compete at the highest level and will give it our best shot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Inside the Captain\u2019s Mind<\/p>\n
For Smith, the Walker Cup isn\u2019t just about who wins\u2014it\u2019s about what lasts. \u201cWe still have our text chains going from 2009, 2011, and 2013,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen someone wins or does something great, we\u2019re all cheering each other on. That\u2019s what this event is about.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smith also reflected on the role of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in shaping today\u2019s amateur game. \u201cThe glass-half-full view is that a lot of the guys use that money to play more events. Travel, caddies, lodging\u2014it\u2019s expensive. NIL has helped them compete all summer long.\u201d<\/p>\n
Above all, Smith believes this team will leave Cypress Point with memories that transcend golf. \u201cThis will be the greatest experience of their lives,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd to have it at Cypress Point? You couldn\u2019t script it better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Schedule & BroadcastSaturday, Sept. 6Morning Foursomes: 8\u20138:45 a.m. PDTSingles: 1:45\u20132:55 p.m. PDTBroadcast: Peacock (12:30\u20133:30 p.m. EDT), Golf Channel (7\u201310 p.m. EDT)Sunday, Sept. 7Morning Foursomes: 8\u20138:45 a.m. PDTSingles: 1:30\u20133 p.m. PDTClosing Ceremony: 7 p.m.Broadcast: Peacock (12:30\u20133:30 p.m. EDT), Golf Channel (7\u201310 p.m. EDT) A Legacy of Legends<\/p>\n
The Walker Cup debuted in 1922 at National Golf Links of America, with the USA team of Francis Ouimet, Bob Jones, Charles \u201cChick\u201d Evans, and Jess Sweetser defeating GB&I. Since then, it has introduced the world to future major champions and Ryder Cup stars. While the USA has dominated the series, GB&I\u2019s triumphs\u2014like 2015 at Royal Lytham\u2014remain iconic.<\/p>\n
Cypress Point joins an elite group of host venues, and its return after 44 years only heightens the anticipation. With its risk-reward holes and postcard views, it may produce the most dramatic Walker Cup yet.<\/p>\n
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The Walker Cup Match is a biennial 10-man