What to Know About the 2025 Walker Cup at Cypress Point

A Historic Stage: Cypress Point Returns to the Spotlight

The 50th Walker Cup unfolded on September 6–7, 2025, at the iconic Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, California. Designed by Alister MacKenzie and Robert Hunter, the course is celebrated for its dramatic seaside holes and exclusivity. This was the first Walker Cup held at Cypress Point since 1981, when the U.S. also prevailed—15–9. Its return aligned beautifully with the event’s golden anniversary, marrying legacy and golfing prestige.

The Format: Match Play at Its Purest

The competition followed the traditional 26-match, two-day format:
• Saturday: 4 foursomes in the morning, 8 singles in the afternoon.
• Sunday: 4 foursomes in the morning, 10 singles in the afternoon.

Each match was worth one point; halved matches split the point. The U.S. needed 13 points to retain the Cup, while GB&I required 13½ to win outright—a structure that continues to deliver tension, team tactics, and unforgettable moments.

Team Selection: Pathways to Cypress Point

Team USA (USGA)

Selection followed a structured three-phase process:
1. Automatic picks: Top three American amateurs in WAGR—Jackson Koivun, Ben James, Michael La Sasso.
2. Form-based selections in July—Ethan Fang and Preston Stout, noted for summer successes.
3. Post–U.S. Amateur additions—Champion Mason Howell, plus Jacob Modleski, Tommy Morrison, Jase Summy, and seasoned mid-amateur Stewart Hagestad, chosen for his leadership.

Team GB&I (The R&A)

GB&I’s roster was chosen via WAGR rankings and standout amateur performances—especially at the St Andrews Trophy. The headline pick was Luke Poulter, son of Ryder Cup icon Ian Poulter, who solidified his spot through strong form and international play.

Player Spotlight: Luke Poulter and the Bush Legacy

Luke Poulter: A Legacy Begins

Luke Poulter emerged as one of the most compelling storylines at Cypress Point:
• Delivered 3½ points from 4 matches at the St Andrews Trophy.
• Claimed his first NCAA win at the Schenkel Invitational for the University of Florida.
• Narrowly missed the U.S. Open and The Open Championship, falling only after playoffs.
• Created local buzz at Cypress with an eagle on the 1st hole and a hole-in-one on the par-3 3rd during practice—pure golf theatre.

A Presidential Connection: George W. Bush and the Cup’s Legacy

The Walker Cup is named after George Herbert Walker, USGA president in 1920, who founded the event—he is the great-grandfather of President George W. Bush.
Former President George W. Bush has deep ties to the Cup. He attended matches, posed with U.S. teams, and even participated in practice rounds. His visits underscore the enduring connection between the Walker Cup and the Bush family’s golf heritage.

Final Results: A Dominant U.S. Victory

Team USA delivered a commanding performance, defeating GB&I 17–9 to claim the Walker Cup convincingly. Highlights included:
• Exceptional depth—especially in Sunday singles—sealed the win.
• Stewart Hagestad celebrated his fifth appearance and became the first player since Jay Sigel (1977–87) to appear in four consecutive winning Walker Cups.
• Young talents like Mason Howell and Preston Stout underscored America’s promising future in amateur golf.

This victory not only extended the U.S. dominance in the series but also showcased a new wave of amateur talent—on one of golf’s most storied stages.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Walker Cup at Cypress Point resonated with rich layers of history—from its origins with George Herbert Walker to current stars like Luke Poulter—and culminated in a commanding U.S. win. It was more than a match; it was a narrative woven through generations, places, and legendary faces.