Standing above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, with Cypress Point's legendary 16th hole in view, 2025 U.S. Walker Cup Captain Nathan Smith could only shake his head and smile.

"There isn't a better place to do an interview than right here," he said. "I don't even know how you're going to concentrate. I mean, this is incredible."

For Smith, a four-time U.S. Mid-Amateur champion and the man who clinched the winning point for Team USA in 2013, this moment is both surreal and earned. He is leading the American side into the 50th Walker Cup, hosted for the first time in decades at one of the most exclusive and scenic venues in the world—Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, California.

The Venue: Cypress Point’s Match Play Magic

"I think Cypress is by far the greatest golf club in the world," Smith said. "It's made for risk-reward. It's perfect for match play."

It's not just the postcard holes—like the 16th, a par-3 that stretches across a cliffside cove—that make Cypress Point unforgettable. Smith points to lesser-known holes like 5 through 9, which offer thrilling risk-reward shotmaking: "They're some of the most fun holes you'll ever play."

The last time Cypress Point hosted the Walker Cup was in 1981. Now, more than 40 years later, the event returns to a venue Smith calls "beyond words" in its beauty and mystique. For players, many of whom grew up watching highlights of this secluded Monterey Peninsula gem, it’s a career-defining moment—even before they turn professional.

Roster Core: Three Stars Locked In

As of mid-July, three players have secured their spots on Team USA through the World Amateur Golf Ranking:

• Jackson Koivun – the current No. 1 amateur in the world
• Ben James – a returning Walker Cup veteran
• Michael La Sasso – the reigning NCAA individual champion

"It's an incredible start to the team," Smith said. "Incredible players—but most importantly, they're great young men."

All three are known for their strength in match play, with NCAA titles, elite amateur wins, and international experience under their belts. But the rest of the roster remains fluid, with the U.S. Amateur at Olympic Club expected to play a decisive role in final selections.

The Final Spots: Musical Chairs and Mid-Am Debate

"There will probably be four or five spots still up for grabs by the U.S. Amateur," Smith explained. "It's a little bit musical chairs at the end. Guys can absolutely play their way in."

One of the most closely watched decisions will be which mid-amateur earns a place on the roster. As a legend in that category himself, Smith understands the significance.

"The mid-am is very important to my heart—through the Walker Cup, through Bobby Jones. We'd love to have a mid-am on the team," he said.

It’s down to two stellar options: Evan Beck, the reigning U.S. Mid-Amateur champion and recent winner of the Coleman and George Thomas Invitationals, and Stewart Hagestad, a four-time Walker Cup veteran with three U.S. Mid-Am titles to his name. Beck brings current form and a breakout story. Hagestad brings unmatched experience and leadership.

"Both have played incredibly well. It’s a great problem to have," Smith said with a grin.

NIL and the New Amateur Landscape

Smith acknowledged that NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals have introduced new dynamics into amateur golf—but he sees an upside.

"The glass-half-full view is that a lot of the guys use that money to play more events," he said. "Travel, caddies, lodging—it’s expensive. NIL has helped them compete all summer long."

Legacy, Leadership, and What’s to Come

Smith’s reverence for the Walker Cup goes beyond titles or team lists. It’s about the bonds formed—the kind of lifelong friendships he still shares with his teammates from 2009, 2011, and 2013. "We still have our text chains going. When someone wins or does something great, we’re all cheering each other on. That’s what this event is about."

Now, as captain, he's preparing the next wave of American amateurs to etch their names into that same history.

"This will be the greatest experience of their lives. And to have it at Cypress Point? You couldn’t script it better."

The 50th Walker Cup will be contested September 6–7, 2025, at Cypress Point Club. For coverage, team announcements, and behind-the-scenes content, stay with AmateurGolf.com.