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 golfers from the Champions Tour representing 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 emerging as a standout performer. The German golfer, originally from the Czech Republic, teamed up with Søren Kjeldsen to earn a combined 20 points, significantly contributing to Europe’s early lead.
The duo particularly impressed in the morning Six Ball (Best Ball) session, where they scored 10.5 points and led their group. Cejka and Kjeldsen carded seven birdies over nine holes. In the afternoon Scotch Sixsomes format, they added another 9.5 points, holding their own against tough U.S. competition.
While Cejka delivered on the course, German golf legend Bernhard Langer had to sit out Thursday due to illness. Vice captain Søren Kjeldsen stepped in and partnered with Cejka to great effect. Langer is expected to return to the lineup on Friday, boosting European hopes further.
After two sessions, Team Europe leads with 57 points, followed closely by the USA and International teams, each 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 slim and the outcome still uncertain.
The event is played on a shortened nine-hole course (Par 36) under near-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. Every hole is played in full, with no early match conclusions. The course is a nine-hole layout (Par 36).
Three points are awarded per hole:
– Best team: 2 points
– Second-best: 1 point
– Lowest score: 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 teams tied: 1 point each
The morning session features Six Ball (Best Ball), where each golfer plays their own ball and the best score per team counts. The afternoon session is Scotch Sixsomes, a modified alternate shot format where both players tee off, select one drive, and alternate shots until the hole is completed.