World Champions Cup: Team Europe wins thanks to historic Sunday show

The Skechers World Champions Cup, a unique team competition for PGA Tour Champions (Ü50) players, ended on Sunday at Feather Sound Golf Club with a triumphant victory for Team Europe. The Europeans, led by Playing Captain Darren Clarke, left the U.S. and international teams no chance on the final day and secured the trophy with a total of 230 points. The international team took second place with 213.5 points, while the USA finished third with 204.5 points.

After the premiere event in 2023 went to the Americans and the 2024 event had to be cancelled due to hurricane damage, Europe prevailed impressively this time.

World Champions Cup 2025: First excitement, then dominance

The tournament, which was held over three days with Sixballs (Best Ball) and Scotch Sixsomes (modified Alternate Shot) formats as well as final individual matches, initially offered the expected excitement. After the first two days and a rest day on Saturday, the three teams were close together. With 109.5 points, Europe was only razor-thin ahead of the USA (108 points) and the Internationals (106.5 points). Everything pointed to an exciting Sunday.

Team Europe dominates final day

But the Europeans had other plans. Despite adverse weather conditions with heavy rain and wind on Florida's west coast, Team Europe unleashed an impressive wave of attacks in the nine-hole individual matches.

Right in the morning session, the veterans showed their class: Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjorn presented with series of birdies and quickly distanced the competition. The Dane Thomas Bjorn summed up the collective strength aptly: “I was four under par when I woke up. It's always nice. That's when you're in that groove. ”

When the morning session was over, the Europeans had gained an advantage of 17 points over the international team and 19 points over the USA — a preliminary decision had been made. German player Alex Cejka, who competed despite back problems, also contributed a strong 12.5 points.

Bernhard Langer shines on Sunday

Even in the afternoon, when Team Europe was able to manage the lead, the European Guard set highlights. In particular, the performance of Bernhard Langer was remarkable. The 68-year-old Hall of Famer from Germany started with four birdies in a row and crowned the start with an eagle on the fifth hole. He ended his round with a strong 12 points.

Vice captain Soren Kjeldsen, who stepped in at short notice, also acted brilliantly, who started in series with five birdies and also scored 12 points for Europe. Montgomerie secured a further 10.5 points, bringing the total score to 230.

The power of the collective

In the subsequent interview, Playing Captain Darren Clarke expressed his pride in his team, which gave an impressive answer after the 2023 loss. He emphasized the culture within the European team: “We were all together, the players, the wives, the caddies and everything else, and our path in Europe is: When we join a team, there are no egos, there is nothing... No one is bigger than anyone else and we all pull together and play for each other. ”

Team mate Colin Montgomerie was delighted with the record victory and drew a joking comparison with the victorious European Ryder Cup-Team: “It's good to emulate what the [European] Ryder Cup team achieved this year by winning on American soil. I'd say this team really deserves more recognition than they do. I think it was a bigger win. Forget Luke Donald. We're taking Darren Clarke for two more years. ”

Team USA presents best single player

The U.S. had to recognize the superiority of the Europeans. Captain Jim Furyk said, “Man, they just made tons of birdies and went out and won the golf tournament.” The only bright spot for the hosts was Jason Caron. With 60.5 points, he was the top scorer in the USA and the entire event. Caron himself was self-confident despite the third place: “I suppose for myself personally I would say: Listen, I can play with all these boys out here. ”

The future of the Skechers World Champions Cup is still open

The World Champions Cup, which also benefits the Shriners Children's hospital network, found its worthy winners in a European team that once again proved that team spirit often triumphs over individual class on the golf course. Organizers hope to expand the tournament in the coming years, possibly including events outside the USA. Bernhard Langer was optimistic about the future:

“The Ryder Cup wasn't the Ryder Cup when it started. It took a few years for him to get going. I think this tournament can have the same effect. ”