Kenai takes 9 1/2 to 2 1/2 lead in Walker Cup

The six teams from the Kenai Golf Course made a big statement Friday evening at their own venue on the second day of the 10th annual Walker Cup.

All six pairs of golfers swept their best-ball group competition to stake out an imposing 9 1/2 to 2 1/2 lead over the Birch Ridge Golf Course teams. The tournament resumes 2 p.m. Sunday with 12 singles matches, and if Kenai can extend its lead by three matches to 12 1/2, the course can automatically clinch the victory and break a 4-4-1 tie the two teams have compiled since the Walker Cup began in 2005.

Friday’s results are as follows: Chris Murray and Gilbert Arellano beat Nick Beeson and Max Dye 8 and 7; Chris Morin and Mike Houghton topped George Stein and Kevin Downs 5 and 4; Todd Eskelin and Joe Deveaux beat Greg Stein and Lee Fry 3 and 2; Doug Jung and Rene Alvarez beat C.J. Henley and Kevin O’Fallon 3 and 2; Craig Jung and Aaron Cooper beat Pedro McCall 7 and 5; and Gordon Griffin and Derek Kaufman won by forfeit.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

After a rainy opening day Thursday, Friday’s play resumed under similar conditions, but the skies eventually cleared somewhat and golfers were treated to a sunset for the final few holes.

Chris Morin said he and Homer Golf Course teammate Mike Houghton, who were playing for Kenai, were able to birdie holes five and seven on the front nine, and managed to push up the lead through the 14th hole, where he landed a chip shot from the fairway within 2 inches from the hole.

Todd Eskelin, who partnered with Kenai teammate Joe Deveaux, said the wet greens did not play much of a factor, adding that breaking even was the way to win Friday.

“There were a lot of pars today,” Eskelin said. “We had a couple bogeys, one birdie, but parred the rest of them.”

More in Sports

Runners take a Kenai beach access road during the Kenai Summer Solstice Fun Run in Kenai, Alaska, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Chamber tries to grow Solstice Fun Run

The event, with 5- and 10-kilometer options, drew 47 runners.

tease
Twins, Kentucky squad to play for Coz Wood Bat title on Sunday

The American Legion Post 20 Twins and Madisonville (Kentucky) Post 6 will… Continue reading

Clyde Clemens of the Post 20 Twins swings through a hit pitch Friday, June 20, 2025, in the Lance Coz Wood Bat Tournament at Coral Seymour Memorial Park in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Wood Bat tourney carries on legacy of Coz

From 1975 until his death in 2020, former Twins manager and head… Continue reading

tease
Results posted for Celebrate Life! 5K

ABC Life Choices held the Celebrate Life! 5-kilometer run Saturday, June 14,… Continue reading

The 10-mile race begins at the Run for the River on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Run for the River draws 197 finishers

The Run for the River drew 197 finishers on Saturday in Soldotna.… Continue reading

Nick Varney
Reeling ‘Em In: Old-timers cast their lines

The grizzled gentlemen have been coming down to Homer for over 35 years to ambush flats from their modest skiff in “secret holes” east of the Spit.

Benny Loyer of Palmer soars through the air racing 65 intermediate at the Alaska State Motocross Series Race 4 on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Twin City Raceway in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
State motocross puts sport’s strong family ties on display

The strong family ties that bind motocross racing were on display at… Continue reading

tease
Sunday: Twins sweep Dimond

Post 20’s Harper throws shutout in league game

Most Read