The PGA Tour Champions is bringing back the World Champions Cup this December at Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater, Fla. Inspired by the passion and tradition of the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, the three-team competition pits senior tour golfers representing the U.S., Europe and the rest of the world.
Each team consists of six players, including a playing captain, with the competition contested across nine-hole matches featuring team formats and singles play. Points will be earned for each hole won in the event’s 24 matches, with sixsomes being employed with each of the groups.
The World Champions Cup made its debut in 2023 at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Fla., and was set to return there in 2024. However, hurricanes that hit the area forced its postponement.
“We are excited to bring the top players from the PGA Tour Champions to an area that is passionate about golf,” Miller Brady, President of PGA Tour Champions, said in a press release. “Feather Sound will be an excellent venue to test the world’s best players.”
Athletic-shoe manufacturer Skechers has come on as the title sponsor (and official shoe) of this year’s event. Additionally, Tampa-based Shriners Children’s was named official charity partner. The competition’s name, Skechers World Champions Cup Supporting Shriners Children’s, will now reflect the partnerships.
“The Skechers World Champions Cup Supporting Shriners Children’s mirrors our commitment to innovating the golf experience—from game-changing products to engaging top players in exciting new ways,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers, in a press release. “As a global brand known for bringing Comfort that Performs to the course, we look forward to advancing the sport with the world’s best.”
Captain Jim Furyk and Team USA celebrate their victory in 2023.
Mike Ehrmann
Team USA won the inaugural competition, as its 221 points narrowly bested the second-place Team International’s 219 points, while Team Europe finished with 208 points. Jim Furyk was supposed to serve as Team USA’s playing captain, but a back injury limited him to merely overseeing the team. Ernie Els and Darren Clarke held the playing captains’ positions for the International and European teams.
“Building on the momentum from the inaugural event,” noted Peter Jacobsen, tournament chairman, “Skechers, Shriners Children’s and Feather Sound are ideal partners to elevate the event and truly solidify it as a must-see global golf tournament.”
For the 2025 competition, set for Dec. 4-7, team captains and official rosters will be finalized at a later date. They’ll compete at Feather Sound, a 7,332-yard par-72 course designed by Joseph L. Lee that opened in 1976. Last year, the course hosted the Aramco Team Series, sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour. The competition will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC.
