Alex Cejka played a key role in securing Team Europe’s lead on the opening day of the World Champions Cup. The World Champions Cup brings together top Champions Tour golfers from Europe, the USA, and the International team to compete in a unique team format. Team Europe had a strong start at Feather Sound Country Club, with Alex Cejka, the German golfer born in the Czech Republic, standing out. Partnered with Søren Kjeldsen, Cejka contributed a total of 20 points to Europe’s tally, helping them take the lead.
The duo was especially impressive in the morning’s 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, outperforming strong American competition.
While Cejka shined on the course, German golf legend Bernhard Langer had to sit out Thursday due to illness. Vice captain Søren Kjeldsen stepped in and delivered an outstanding performance alongside Cejka. Langer is expected to return on Friday, further boosting European hopes.
After two sessions, Team Europe leads with 57 points, followed by the USA and International teams, both at 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 slim and anything can happen.
The event is played on a shortened nine-hole course (Par 36) under nearly perfect conditions, with sunny skies, temperatures up to 25°C, and a light north wind.
World Champions Cup Format Explained
Each group features all three teams—Europe, USA, and International—competing simultaneously. All nine holes are played in full, with no early match conclusions.
Each hole awards a total of three points:
– Best team: 2 points
– Second-best: 1 point
– Third: 0 points
In case of ties:
– Two teams tied for best: 1.5 points each
– Two teams tied for second: best team gets 2 points, others 0.5 each
– All tied: 1 point each
The morning session uses the Six Ball (Best Ball) format, where each player plays their own ball and the best score per hole counts. The afternoon features Scotch Sixsomes, a modified alternate shot format where both players tee off, choose the best drive, and alternate shots until the hole is completed.