Photo Credit: USGA
Saturday Midday Recap — Walker Cup at Cypress Point
Pebble Beach, Calif. • Day 1
The 50th Walker Cup opened under cloudy Monterey skies, and the morning foursomes delivered early drama along the Pacific. Both teams leaned into the precision that Alister MacKenzie’s design demands, and momentum shifted quickly across the card.
Great Britain & Ireland struck first with a statement result: Connor Graham and Tyler Weaver defeated World No. 1 Jackson Koivun and Tommy Morrison 3&1, a notable upset that energized the GB&I side.
One of the defining moments of the morning came at the par-3 16th, where Graham delivered a perfectly struck tee shot under pressure. AmateurGolf.com founder Pete Wlodkowski described it as “the most clutch shot I’ve seen in a Walker Cup, even though it’s early. It never left the flag and had a sound that, let’s just say, is different than most.”
GB&I added another point when Charlie Forster and Luke Poulter closed out a 3&2 victory over American duo Stewart Hagestad and Ben James. The English pair seized control early and never let go, giving Poulter a signature Walker Cup moment of his own.
The third match also went GB&I’s way, as Eliot Baker and Stuart Grehan edged Ethan Fang and Preston Stout 1 up in a tense contest that reached the 18th green.
Team USA salvaged a crucial point in the anchor match, with Michael La Sasso and Jase Summy delivering a commanding 4&2 win over Cameron Adam and Dominic Clemons.
That left the session tally at GB&I 3, USA 1. With the visitors carrying momentum into the afternoon singles, the stage is set for a pivotal stretch that could shape the 50th Walker Cup. Check back here for live updates, scoring, and quick-hit notes from every match.
Saturday Morning Foursomes — ResultsGB&I — Connor Graham / Tyler Weaver def. Jackson Koivun / Tommy Morrison 3&1GB&I — Charlie Forster / Luke Poulter def. Stewart Hagestad / Ben James 3&2GB&I — Eliot Baker / Stuart Grehan def. Ethan Fang / Preston Stout 1 upUSA — Michael La Sasso / Jase Summy def. Cameron Adam / Dominic Clemons 4&2 📊 Follow Live Scoring
Upset at Cypress Point! 🌊
GB&I’s Connor Graham (18) and Tyler Weaver take down World No. 1 Jackson Koivun and Tommy Morrison 3&1 in the opening foursomes. A huge first point for GB&I at the 50th Walker Cup.#WalkerCup | #AmateurGolf | #CypressPoint pic.twitter.com/WmVEBYa6tu
— AmateurGolf.com (@amateurgolfcom) September 6, 2025Saturday Matches — 50th Walker Cup
Cypress Point Club • September 6, 2025
Morning Foursomes (Alternate Shot)8:00 AMTyler Weaver & Connor Graham (GB&I)vs.Jackson Koivun & Tommy Morrison (USA)8:15 AMLuke Poulter & Charlie Forster (GB&I)vs.Ben James & Stewart Hagestad (USA)8:30 AMStuart Grehan & Eliot Baker (GB&I)vs.Preston Stout & Ethan Fang (USA)8:45 AMCameron Adam & Dominic Clemons (GB&I)vs.Jase Summy & Michael La Sasso (USA)Afternoon Singles1:45 PMTyler Weaver (GB&I)vs.Jackson Koivun (USA)1:55 PMNiall Shiels Donegan (GB&I)vs.Jacob Modleski (USA)2:05 PMLuke Poulter (GB&I)vs.Mason Howell (USA)2:15 PMConnor Graham (GB&I)vs.Ben James (USA)2:25 PMGavin Tiernan (GB&I)vs.Stewart Hagestad (USA)2:35 PMStuart Grehan (GB&I)vs.Ethan Fang (USA)2:45 PMCharlie Forster (GB&I)vs.Preston Stout (USA)2:55 PMEliot Baker (GB&I)vs.Jase Summy (USA)
@GeoffShac literally wrote the book on Cypress Point.
We spoke with him on the deck of the media center as the 50th Walker Cup began — his take on Cypress, its restoration, and why this week is so special.
📹 Watch the clip + read more on The Quadrilateral.#WalkerCup… pic.twitter.com/uvtC7SixZd
— AmateurGolf.com (@amateurgolfcom) September 6, 2025📊 Follow Live Scoring →
The Walker Cup has long been a proving ground for amateur golf’s 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’s Monterey Peninsula—a stage as beautiful as it is intimidating.
What is the Walker Cup?
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 39–9–1, but GB&I has authored memorable upsets, most recently in 2015 at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
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.
Cypress Point: Match Play Magic
Cypress Point has been called the most beautiful golf course in the world, and Captain Nathan Smith doesn’t disagree. “I think Cypress is by far the greatest golf club in the world,” he said. “It’s beyond words.”
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’s a venue built for drama. Smith particularly loves holes 5 through 9, which he calls “some of the most fun holes you’ll ever play.”
The last time Cypress Point hosted the Walker Cup was in 1981, when the USA prevailed 15–9. More than four decades later, the Match returns to a stage steeped in history and mystique.
Team USA: Depth and Leadership
Smith’s squad blends teenage phenoms with seasoned veterans. The 10-man roster includes:
Stewart Hagestad — 34, a Walker Cup stalwart making his fifth appearance.Mason Howell — 2025 U.S. Amateur champion at The Olympic Club.Jacob Modleski — Notre Dame standout and 2025 ACC Champion.Tommy Morrison — 2024 European Amateur winner.Jase Summy — 2025 Western Amateur champion.Jackson Koivun — World No. 1 amateur.Ben James — Returning Walker Cup veteran.Michael La Sasso — 2025 NCAA individual champion.Ethan FangPreston Stout
Alternates: Miles Russell (16), Max Herendeen (20).
Captain Nathan Smith highlighted Koivun, James, and La Sasso early in the summer as the “core” of his team. “Incredible players—but most importantly, they’re great young men,” he said. The captain also acknowledged the importance of honoring the Walker Cup’s tradition of including a mid-amateur. The decision came down to Hagestad and Evan Beck, with Hagestad’s experience and leadership carrying the day.
Team GB&I: Talented and Underdog-Minded
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’s 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.
Tyler Weaver (England, 20) — The highest-ranked player on the team at No. 11 in WAGR. A polished ball-striker expected to anchor GB&I’s singles lineup.Luke Poulter (England, 21) — Son of Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter, Luke brings pedigree and flair. Known for his short game and competitive edge.Connor Graham (Scotland, 18) — 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) — Fresh off a semifinal run at the U.S. Amateur, Donegan has shown he can thrive on American soil.Cameron Adam (Scotland, 22) — Qualified for The Open at Royal Portrush. Long and composed under pressure.Stuart Grehan (Ireland, 32) — A former professional who regained amateur status, Grehan makes a long-awaited Walker Cup debut.Charlie Forster (England, 22) — A product of Basingstoke, Forster adds depth and strong team-match experience.Dominic Clemons (England, 23) — Known for his consistency and gritty competitive style.Eliot Baker (England, 22) — From Tiverton, Baker has built a steady amateur record with recent international success.Gavin Tiernan (Ireland, 19) — The youngest Irishman on the squad, Tiernan is seen as a future star.
Reserve: Caolan Rafferty (Ireland, 32).
“This talented team represents the very best in skill, unity, resilience and determination,” Robertson said. “We are underdogs but I’m confident we are equipped to compete at the highest level and will give it our best shot.”
Inside the Captain’s Mind
For Smith, the Walker Cup isn’t just about who wins—it’s about what lasts. “We still have our text chains going from 2009, 2011, and 2013,” he said. “When someone wins or does something great, we’re all cheering each other on. That’s what this event is about.”
Smith also reflected on the role of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in shaping today’s amateur game. “The glass-half-full view is that a lot of the guys use that money to play more events. Travel, caddies, lodging—it’s expensive. NIL has helped them compete all summer long.”
Above all, Smith believes this team will leave Cypress Point with memories that transcend golf. “This will be the greatest experience of their lives,” he said. “And to have it at Cypress Point? You couldn’t script it better.”
Schedule & BroadcastSaturday, Sept. 6Morning Foursomes: 8–8:45 a.m. PDTSingles: 1:45–2:55 p.m. PDTBroadcast: Peacock (12:30–3:30 p.m. EDT), Golf Channel (7–10 p.m. EDT)Sunday, Sept. 7Morning Foursomes: 8–8:45 a.m. PDTSingles: 1:30–3 p.m. PDTClosing Ceremony: 7 p.m.Broadcast: Peacock (12:30–3:30 p.m. EDT), Golf Channel (7–10 p.m. EDT) A Legacy of Legends
The Walker Cup debuted in 1922 at National Golf Links of America, with the USA team of Francis Ouimet, Bob Jones, Charles “Chick” 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’s triumphs—like 2015 at Royal Lytham—remain iconic.
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.
Explore full results history →
Future Sites2026 — Lahinch Golf Club (Ireland)2028 — Bandon Dunes (Oregon)2030 — Prince’s Golf Club (England)2032 — Oakmont Country Club (Pennsylvania)2036 — Chicago Golf Club (Illinois)2044 — Pine Valley Golf Club (New Jersey)
AmateurGolf.com will provide daily recaps, scoring updates, and inside access from Cypress Point throughout Walker Cup week.
ABOUT THE
The Walker Cup
The Walker Cup Match is a biennial 10-man
amateur
team competition between the USA and a team
composed of players from Great Britain and
Ireland
and selected by The R&A. It is played over two
days
with 18 singles matches and eight foursomes
(alternate-shot) matches.
The first United States Walker Cup Team, which
in
1922 defeated the GB&I side, 8-4, at the
National Golf
Links of America, is considered among the best
teams
ever and included Francis Ouimet, Bob Jones,
Charles
“Chick” Evans and Jess Sweetser. Many of the
game’s
greatest players have taken part in Walker Cup
competition, including U.S. Open champions
Jack
Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth for
the
USA
and Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Justin
Rose
for Great Britain and Ireland.
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