32 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY SEPTEMBER 4-10, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com SPORTS The U.S. side was reeling. On Sunday morning, Great Britain and Ireland dominated in foursome competition, winning three of four matches to all but erase what had been a comfortable margin for the Americans. Afternoon singles play began with another blow, as GB&I’s Roger Chapman dropped Hal Sutton. But the U.S. fared well in the other pairings, claiming five, with two draws, to bring home the Walker Cup. That was in 1981, the last time the prestigious Walker Cup Match pitting top American amateur golfers against a team from Great Britain and Ireland took place on the Monterey Peninsula. This weekend, Sept. 6-7, the unique competition returns to Cypress Point. Morning rounds feature foursomes playing alternate-shot format. In the afternoon, rivals compete in singles match play. One point is collected for each win while rounds tied after 18 holes are halved. Clear so far? The series began in 1922. Following the 1923 match, the schedule was changed to every other year. Since its inception, this battle between amateurs under the USGA and Royal & Ancient banners has been a lopsided affair. The U.S. leads 39-9-1. There is a lot of talent in the field. The world’s no. 1 amateur, Jackson Koivun, leads the American side. The Auburn University junior and two-time SEC Player of the Year is joined by Ben James, world no. 2 and part of the victorious 2023 Walker Cup team. World nos. 3 and 4—Ethan Fang and Preston Stout, both on the NCAA champion Oklahoma State roster—are also part of the 10-player lineup. But GB&I is equally loaded. England’s Tyler Weaver, last year’s ACC Freshman of the Year out of Florida State, is ranked 10th among the world’s amateurs. Meanwhile Scottish Amateur Champion Cameron Adam is on a tear, rising to no. 20 in the world. “We are underdogs, but I’m confident we are equipped to compete at the highest level and will give it our best shot,” said GB&I captain Dean Robertson, acknowledging the depth of the U.S. squad, before declaring his side goal “to make history by reclaiming this famous trophy.” GB&I last hoisted the Walker Cup in 2015, with a convincing 16.5-9.5 triumph at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. Walker Cup Match practice rounds 9am-1pm, opening ceremonies 5pm Friday, Sept. 5; competitive matches 8am Saturday,-Sunday, Sept. 6-7. Cypress Point—parking at 3350 Portola Road, Pebble Beach. Secondary market single-day tickets starting at $438. usga.org. USGA/CHRIS KEANE/ COURTESY OF AUBURN UNIVERSITY Full Cup After more than 40 years, the Walker Cup returns to the Peninsula with a loaded field. By Dave Faries Auburn University junior Jackson Koivun, here playing at the 2025 U.S. Amateur at the Olympic Club, comes into the Walker Cup as the world’s top amateur. INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AND TAKEOUT Eat + Drink ’24 BEST RESTAURANT IN MONTEREY! JOIN US NIGHTLY FOR DINNER AT 4:30PM TWO HAPPY HOURS DAILY 4:30-6PM & 8-9PM 3-Course Early Menu, $49, 4:30-6pm Daily Call or go to sardinefactory.com for details, reservations. 701 Wave Street, Monterey, 831-373-3775 OPEN EVERYDAY for DINNER at 4:30pm Offering all your favorites plus wine, cocktails, bottle and draft beers. 763 Wave St., Monterey 831.373.3778 thewhalingstation.com ’24 Best Steak Fisherman’s Wharf’s Newest Restaurant Serving Fresh Seafood, Pasta, Steaks, Sandwiches Open Daily at 11:30am Great views at the end of the Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 Monterey’s MOST Recommended Pizzeria Open at 4pm Mon-Thurs • Open at 3pm Fri Open at 12pm Sat.& Sun. 725 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey giannispizzamonterey.com 831-649-1500 Best Pizza ’98-’24 Wood Fired Pizzas, Burgers, Pasta, salads, sandWiches and more 11:30am mon-Fri, 10am Sat & Sun melvilletav.com 484 Washington St., Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 haPPY hour Food & drinK sPecials Sun-Thurs 4-6pm WEEKEND BRUNCH WITH BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 831-373-1851 www.abalonetti.com ’24 LUNCH & DINNER SERVED DAILY from 11:30am-8:30pm Monterey County’s Best Calamari Indoor and Outdoor Dining on the Dog Friendly Patio Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30–6pm Nightly Saturday & Sunday Brunch 9am–1:30pm 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com ’24 Best Appetizers/ Small Plates BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT + BAR @ LOVERS POINT ★ CASUAL CALIFORNIA DINING INDOOR & PATIO DAILY AT 4:30PM 620 OCEAN VIEW BLVD. PACIFIC GROVE 831-375-2345 • BEACHHOUSEPG.COM LOVERS POINT BEACH CAFE OPEN DAILY, 9AM–4PM ’24 Best Restaurant in Pacific Grove
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