The 2nd Annual East/West Cup wrapped up at Griffin Gate Golf Club in Lexington, Kentucky, with Western Kentucky claiming their first title and ending Eastern Kentucky's reign as defending champions.

Modeled after the Ryder Cup format, the competition featured three rounds of match play across 27 holes. Each hole carried one point, with an additional point awarded to the winner of each match, making every match worth a maximum of 10 points and each round worth up to 90. With 270 total points on the table, the magic number was 135.5 for Western Kentucky to win the Cup outright, while Eastern Kentucky needed 135 to retain it.

Pairings Party

The event kicked off Sunday evening at the 19th Hole at Griffin Gate, where players from both teams gathered for the pairings party. Complimentary appetizers were on hand as the group settled in, and the mood reflected what the East/West Cup has become in just two years: a competition both sides genuinely look forward to. The energy in the room was relaxed but eager, with players ready to find out who they would be going up against across all three rounds.

Before the pairings were announced, each captain distributed the team uniforms for the event. Andy Roberts of Western Kentucky and Denver Haddix of Eastern Kentucky each personally selected their squad's polos and pullovers. This year’s uniforms were provided by Levelwear, the Official Outfitter for all Cup matches this season. With uniforms in hand and pairings on the board, both teams had everything they needed heading into competition day.

Round One: Scramble (Front Nine)

Play opened on the front nine in a scramble format under clear skies with manageable wind. The atmosphere was upbeat from the start, with both teams coming in eager and the competitive energy matching the occasion. Western Kentucky found their footing early and never let up, taking round one 48.5 to 41.5.

Team captains Roberts of Western Kentucky, and Haddix of Eastern Kentucky both suited up and competed alongside their squads. Haddix was among the more notable performers on the greens in the opening round, nearly converting a long putt on hole one that had both sides watching. It lipped out, his second close miss of the round.

Round Two: Four-Ball (Back Nine)

The wind picked up considerably as the field moved to the back nine for four-ball competition. Hole 10, Griffin Gate's signature par five, drew the most attention. A dogleg left wrapping around a large water feature, it tempted players into aggressive two-shot attempts at the green. Some pulled it off. Others laid back and played it safe. Both strategies had their moments.

Hole 18 proved equally tricky. With the wind at their backs, players were stuck between clubs, either coming up short or sliding past the pin into elevated rough. There was no clean answer, and scoring reflected the difficulty.

Western Kentucky extended their advantage through the round, pushing the lead to 17 points. The score heading into the final round: 98.5 to 81.5.

Round Three: Alternate Shot (Back Nine)

A 17-point lead is not insurmountable in alternate shot, but Eastern Kentucky would have needed a significant run to close it. The format added a strategic wrinkle, with tee honors alternating every hole regardless of the previous result, requiring both sides to think carefully about player matchups across par threes, fours, and fives.

Western Kentucky proved to be too strong and secured the Cup with a final score of 144.5 - 125.5

Looking Ahead

For players on both sides of the state, the path to the East/West Cup runs directly through their performance in KGA events. The 2027 rosters will be determined by the 2026 Player of the Year standings, with the top four players from each respective age division earning a spot on their regional team. Every stroke, every round, and every event this season carries weight. A strong year could mean a roster spot in the East/West Cup.

Western Kentucky will serve as host in 2027 after claiming this year's title, and Eastern Kentucky will be looking to make the trip west and take the Cup back. 

To view the full collection of photos from our East/West Cup, click here.