The Walker Cup: Everything You Need to Know
As the golf world pauses for a week with the PGA Tour, LPGA, and LIV Golf on break, enthusiasts can still savor elite amateur competition. An extraordinary event is set to unfold on the West Coast at the iconic Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, California: the 50th Walker Cup. This event provides a platform for the brightest up-and-coming talents in golf, and here’s your comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about it.
What is the Walker Cup?
The Walker Cup is an amateur golf tournament that serves as the amateur counterpart to the famed Ryder Cup. This prestigious competition sees Team USA take on the most talented men’s amateur golfers from Great Britain and Ireland. While the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup feature professional players, the Walker Cup is all about showcasing the future stars of the sport.
Team Composition: How Many Players Compete?
Unlike the Ryder Cup, which comprises 12 players per side, the Walker Cup teams consist of 10 players, plus a captain for each team. This unique format creates a more intimate and focused competition where the strength of individual players can significantly impact the overall match outcome. The Walker Cup is held every two years, alternating between the United States and Great Britain as hosts.
Format of the Walker Cup: What to Expect
The Walker Cup’s format spans just two days, making it a compact but exhilarating event. The matches are divided into two formats: foursomes and singles. On Saturday, spectators can expect four fascinating foursomes matches in an alternate-shot format, followed by eight singles matches. Sunday features another four foursomes matches and 10 singles matches, culminating in an action-packed weekend.
Schedule Breakdown:
Saturday, September 6
- 11:00 – 11:45 AM ET: 4 Foursomes Matches (Alternate Shot)
- 4:45 – 5:55 PM ET: 8 Singles Matches
- Sunday, September 7
- 11:00 – 11:45 AM ET: 4 Foursomes Matches (Alternate Shot)
- 4:30 – 6:00 PM ET: 10 Singles Matches
Scoring System: How Do Teams Win?
Scoring for the Walker Cup is straightforward. Each match carries a point; win your match, and the team earns a point. A tie results in a half-point for each side. The team that accumulates the most points across the four sessions is declared the winner. In the case of a tie, the previous champion retains the trophy—an advantage currently held by Team USA.
Where to Watch the Walker Cup
Golf fans eager to catch all the action can tune in through Peacock and the Golf Channel. For early action on both days, Peacock will provide live streaming from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM ET, followed by Golf Channel’s coverage of the later sessions from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM ET each day.
The Legendary Cypress Point Club
The Walker Cup’s setting at Cypress Point Club adds another layer of excitement to this event. While Pebble Beach Golf Links is often praised as a public favorite and a PGA Tour staple, Cypress Point is equally worthy of acclaim. The club, designed by legendary architect Alister MacKenzie, is ranked as one of the top golf courses globally, known for its stunning coastal views and challenging holes.
Iconic Holes
Cypress Point features several legendary holes, particularly the par-3 16th—a breathtaking sight where players must carry their shots over the ocean to reach a tight green strategically protected by bunkers and rocks. This iconic hole encapsulates what makes golf at Cypress Point so memorable.
Notable Players to Watch
The Walker Cup has a history of featuring golf’s future stars, and this edition is no different. Among the competitors are eight of the top 10 in the Men’s World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and 14 players within the top 50. Jackson Koivun, a promising junior from Auburn, stands out as an exceptional talent after winning the Haskins Award in 2025. He has already turned heads by playing in six professional events, showcasing his commitment to making a mark on the tour.
Other noteworthy American participants include Michael La Sasso, the NCAA individual champion, Mason Howell, the reigning U.S. Amateur winner, and Ben James, the top-ranked player in the PGA Tour University standings.
From Great Britain and Ireland, keep an eye on Luke Poulter, the son of Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter, and Niall Shiels Donegan, a local favorite who recently reached the semifinals of the U.S. Amateur.
Future Walker Cups: Where Will They Be Held?
Looking ahead, the Walker Cup promises to continue at some of the world’s most prestigious courses. While no alternating years will follow this event, the Walker Cup will transition to even years starting in 2026. Upcoming venues include Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland for the next installment and Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in 2028. The competition is set to travel to Prince’s Golf Club in England in 2030 and Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania in 2032, with additional future locations like Chicago Golf Club by 2036 and Pine Valley Golf Club in 2044.
Conclusion: A Must-See Event for Golf Fans
This year’s Walker Cup at Cypress Point Club is more than just an amateur golf tournament; it’s a celebration of talent, tradition, and the future of the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned golf fanatic or a newcomer, this condensed yet thrilling event promises unforgettable moments from burgeoning stars. Be sure to catch the action on Peacock and the Golf Channel and witness history in the making!
Enjoy an exceptional weekend on the greens as the United States looks to defend its title against a formidable British and Irish team at one of the world’s most beautiful golf courses.
