Parker Sisk Wins 2025 Stocker Cup at The Preserve
Parker Sisk sealed his first Stocker Cup Invitational victory with a composed final-round 68, pulling away from a tight leaderboard to capture the championship at The Preserve Golf Club in Carmel.
Entering Sunday in a share of the lead, Sisk stayed steady through the demanding closing stretch, avoiding mistakes while others faltered. His precision off the tee and confident putting on The Preserve’s quick greens proved decisive, earning him a well-deserved win at 6-under par overall.
McInnis, Spellerberg, and Jenkins each posted 71s to finish several strokes back, while DeFalco rounded out the top five with another solid performance.
Sisk’s victory adds his name to a prestigious list of past champions and underscores why the Stocker Cup remains one of amateur golf’s most meaningful Mid-Am events — a celebration of skill, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of competition amid California’s natural beauty.
The Stocker Cup has long been one of the crown jewels of amateur golf — a rare blend of competition, camaraderie, and California beauty that captures the essence of why we play the game. As the 2025 edition tees off today at The Preserve Golf Club in Carmel, I can’t help but reflect on my own experiences competing in this event — twice fortunate enough to test myself on this stunning stage.
A Course Unlike Any Other
Tucked deep in the Santa Lucia Mountains, The Preserve Golf Club feels like it was carved from a dream. The drive in alone — a winding road through ancient oaks and golden hills — sets the tone for something special. The Tom Fazio and Sandy Tatum design unfolds across rolling terrain with breathtaking elevation changes, panoramic views of Carmel Valley, and greens that demand imagination and courage in equal measure.
It’s a course that asks questions every step of the way — not through trickery, but through purity of design. You don’t overpower The Preserve; you navigate it. Every approach, every putt carries a touch of suspense, a whisper of “don’t miss on the wrong side.”
Personal Reflections: Why It Stands Apart
Having played in the Stocker Cup twice, I can say with confidence that it sits among the finest tournament experiences in amateur golf. The balance of competitive rigor and social warmth is unmatched — a tribute to the spirit of Peter Stocker, whose passion for the game and friendship inspired this event’s founding in 1991.
From the first tee shot to the post-round gatherings overlooking the valley, everything about this tournament exudes purpose and joy. The format — a 54-hole individual stroke play alongside a best-ball team competition — fosters connection across the field, pairing elite Mid-Ams with passionate amateurs who share a deep love for the game.
There’s a humility and humor that runs through the week. You’ll see national champions swapping stories with first-time invitees, seasoned veterans helping new players read the notoriously subtle greens. It’s golf stripped back to its best elements — challenge, companionship, and the beauty of place.
A Look Back and Ahead
Last year, Jack Schultz overcame a rough start to fire a record-tying 65 on his way to victory, proving that perseverance often beats perfection at The Preserve. This week’s field brings a new mix of contenders ready to add their names to the tournament’s storied legacy.
But for many of us — players and fans alike — the Stocker Cup is more than a leaderboard. It’s a reminder that amateur golf, at its highest level, is still deeply personal. It’s about the relationships forged in the game, the moments of quiet focus surrounded by natural splendor, and the shared reverence for an event that feels like home.
As the 2025 championship begins, those lucky enough to walk these fairways will once again experience what makes The Preserve — and the Stocker Cup — so unforgettable.
