By Jason Bruno
On September 6th & 7th the USGA will host the finest amateurs from America & Great Britain/Ireland who will compete in the 50th Walker Cup matches on the world’s finest stage – Cypress Point Club in Monterey, California. Last Wednesday (7/16), LinksNation was on hand for media day with the USGA staff and Team USA Captain Nathan Smith.
A native of Pittsburgh, Nathan Smith (4-time U.S. Mid-Amateur champion), competed in three Walker Cups for the USA, in 2009, 2011, and 2013, compiling a 3-4-1 overall record. Smith is well aware of the significance of being appointed to the leadership role of a lifetime. This year’s event marks the first time the matches will be hosted at Cypress Point in 44 years (1981). An entire generation of golf enthusiasts will finally have the opportunity to see the Alister MacKenzie/Marion Hollins masterpiece, situated on the Pacific Ocean, universally regarded as one of the most breathtaking and exclusive venues in the world.
Team USA recently announced its first three selections, Jackson Koivun, Ben James and Michael La Sasso.
Cypress is just 6620 yards from the tips, short by today’s standards, but the Walker Cup is not a stroke play format; it’s match play. When we asked Smith about his thoughts on how the course will play for the matches, he smiled and said, “I think Cypress is the greatest golf club in the world, and its risk-reward nature is ideal for match play.”
Although the course is widely known for its famous three-hole stretch on the ocean coming home, it may be the dunes holes of 6 through 9 where the highest volatility will take place. A reachable par 5, followed by a one-shotter that demands precise execution, and then two thrilling short par 4 holes that provide the potential for players to drive the green.
The ninth offers options and a chance to flip a match based on whether the hole location is front right or back left. The front right hole location will entice players to attempt to drive the green and make an eagle, while the back left location is likely an absolute lay-up/wedge approach. The ninth is on my short list of personal favorite short par-4s in the world. A thrilling stretch that will surely provide excitement to the competitors and entertain the viewers.
The ocean trio of 15-17 will get the lion’s share of attention for the stunning views, but these holes are more than just eye candy… they ask different things from those lucky enough to play them. The diminutive 15th is all finesse, usually playing no more than a wedge. The 16th may be the most spectacular and difficult par 3 on earth. The yardage is around 230 yards for the players, but with the cold Monterey winds, it will often play 250+ over the cove. The 17th is all about angles, another shortish par 4 that requires a precise tee shot to the left or right of the grove of Cypress trees positioned in the center portion of the landing area. Once safely positioned, you face a short to mid-iron approach to an exposed surface at the edge of the property. These three holes should provide the drama that will determine the Walker Cup, and have viewers dreaming of an invite to this storied venue.
Superintendent Jeff Markow and his team have the course in superb playing condition, and the competition staff at the USGA will likely test the young guns with several testy hole locations.
The two most recent Walker Cup Matches have been conducted at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Florida, and the Old Course at St.Andrews in Scotland.
FUTURE SITES
Sept. 5-6, 2026: Lahinch Golf Club, Lahinch, Ireland
TBD 2028 – Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon, Ore.
TBD 2030 – Prince’s Golf Club/England
TBD 2032 – Oakmont Country Club, Oakmont, Pa.
TBD 2036 – Chicago Golf Club, Wheaton, Ill.
TBD 2044 – Pine Valley Golf Club, Pine Hill, N.J.
SCHEDULE OF PLAY
On Saturday, Sept. 6, there will be four foursomes (alternate-shot) matches in the morning and eight singles matches in the afternoon. On Sunday, Sept. 7, there will be four foursomes matches in the morning and 10 singles matches in the afternoon. All matches will be 18 holes.
All Times EDT:
Friday, Sept. 5 – Opening Ceremony
Saturday, Sept. 6 – Foursomes (four matches), Singles (eight matches)
Sunday, Sept. 7 – Foursomes (four matches), Singles (10 matches)
Closing Ceremony
TELEVISION SCHEDULE
The 2025 Walker Cup Match will receive at least 12 hours of live network coverage on Golf Channel.
