After more than 40 years, the Walker Cup returns to the Peninsula with a loaded field.

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.