Alex Cejka played a key role in securing Europe’s early lead at the World Champions Cup. The World Champions Cup brings together top golfers from the Champions Tour representing Europe, the USA, and the International Team to compete in a unique team format. Europe had a strong opening day at Feather Sound Country Club, with German golfer Alex Cejka standing out. Born in the Czech Republic and holding German citizenship, Cejka teamed up with Søren Kjeldsen to earn 20 points for Team Europe, significantly contributing to their lead.
The duo delivered an impressive performance in the morning Six Ball (Best Ball) session, scoring 10.5 points and leading their group with seven birdies over nine holes. In the afternoon Scotch Sixsomes format, they added another 9.5 points, holding off strong competition from the USA.
While Cejka excelled on the course, German golf legend Bernhard Langer was sidelined due to illness on Thursday. Vice-captain Søren Kjeldsen stepped in and found great success alongside Cejka. Langer is expected to return to the team on Friday, further boosting European hopes.
After two sessions, Team Europe leads with 57 points, followed by the USA and the International Team, both with 52.5 points. With two more team rounds on Friday and decisive singles matches on Sunday, the competition remains wide open. European captain Darren Clarke summed it up: the start was strong, but the margins are tight and the outcome is still uncertain.
The tournament is played on a shortened nine-hole course (Par 36) under nearly perfect conditions, with mostly sunny skies, temperatures up to 25°C, and a light north wind.
World Champions Cup Format Explained
Each group features three teams competing simultaneously: Europe, USA, and International. The event is played on a nine-hole course (Par 36), and all holes are completed with no early match conclusions.
Each hole awards three points in total:
– Best team: 2 points
– Second-best: 1 point
– Last: 0 points
In case of ties:
– Two teams tie for best: 1.5 points each
– Two teams tie for second: best team gets 2 points, others 0.5 each
– All teams tie: 1 point each
The morning session features Six Ball (Best Ball), where each golfer plays their own ball and the best score per hole counts for the team. In the afternoon, the Scotch Sixsomes format is used: both players tee off, one drive is selected, and they alternate shots from there until the ball is holed.
Alex Cejka Shines in Team Europe’s Opening Round
Cejka’s performance, alongside Kjeldsen, was crucial in putting Europe ahead. Their chemistry and consistency across both formats gave Team Europe a valuable edge heading into the next rounds.