Most golfers would leap at the chance to tee off at the legendary Cypress Point, especially during the prestigious Walker Cup. For these aspiring amateur stars, the opportunity represents the pinnacle of their golfing dreams. However, what they might not anticipate is the grim reality lurking beneath the course’s picturesque surface. The Fried Egg Golf podcast recently peeled back the curtain on the harsh truths that await competitors at this elite venue, revealing a side of Cypress Point that could leave even the most seasoned players reeling.
In a revealing conversation on the September 5th episode of “The Shotgun Start,” hosts Andy and Brendan shared their thoughts as they prepared for the 50th Walker Cup. What began as an exploration of the course’s beauty quickly morphed into a startling exposé of the challenges posed by nature. Andy wasted no time in highlighting the true issues confronting golfers: “That’s not the big problem,” he stated, dismissing the common assumption that deer droppings are the primary concern. “The big problem are the birds on the 17th tee,” he elaborated, pointing out that these feathered nuisances wreak havoc on the grass, turning the pristine tee box into a battleground.
As if that weren’t enough, unfavorable weather conditions exacerbate the situation. Andy didn’t hold back in describing the sensory nightmare that unfolds: “If you catch the wrong wind it can smell horrendous out there too.” This alarming revelation comes just days before the tournament kicks off on September 6-7, 2025. While elite amateurs prepare to showcase their skills against the backdrop of Cypress Point’s breathtaking vistas, they will also grapple with nature’s disruptive forces that no amount of strategic planning can mitigate.
The notorious 17th hole serves as a microcosm of the wildlife-related woes facing golfers at Cypress Point. Seabirds flock to the rocky outcroppings that define this stunning stretch of coastline, damaging the tee box grass with their incessant presence. Their droppings add insult to injury, creating a visual and olfactory nightmare that even the most meticulous preparations cannot overcome.
Cypress Point’s battle with avian visitors is emblematic of the broader issues that elite coastal golf courses face. Nestled within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the course is home to an astonishing array of over 180 species of seabirds and shorebirds, including brown pelicans, cormorants, and western gulls. The ongoing struggle with bird droppings presents significant hazards; these droppings can carry more than 60 diseases, including the likes of Salmonella and E. coli, leading to persistent maintenance headaches for course staff.
Superintendent Jeff Bradley acknowledged these ongoing challenges as he prepared for the Walker Cup. “Well, you’re always going to hear the ocean and the smells, thanks to all the bird, the wildlife, are never going to go away… it’s the smell of the ocean,” he remarked, hinting at the complex interplay between the beauty of nature and the practical realities of maintaining a world-class golf course.
To combat the avian menace, management techniques range from bird bombs to scare tactics. However, these efforts are often hampered by federal regulations prohibiting disturbances to marine mammals and seabirds. The limitations imposed by protected species laws further complicate active removal strategies, leaving course managers with an uphill battle.
Despite these hurdles, elite golf venues have developed various strategies to manage wildlife. High-tech solutions, such as laser deterrents, can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 for professional-grade systems. Meanwhile, bird repellent sprays, priced at about $12.50 per acre, and physical barriers like netting find limited but effective application. The financial burden is significant, with annual wildlife management costs averaging between $10,000 and $15,000 for deer damage alone, and comprehensive bird control programs easily surpassing $20,000 at coastal facilities.
Other luxurious coastal courses face similar dilemmas. For instance, Pebble Beach proudly maintains its Audubon International Sanctuary certification, while Kiawah Island employs a dedicated naturalist staff to navigate these challenges. Bandon Dunes, on the other hand, embraces wildlife interference as part of the authentic links experience.
The timing of the Walker Cup coincides with peak fall migration, ensuring that wildlife management remains a critical focus during the tournament. Players will need to adapt to the unpredictable conditions that extend far beyond the traditional challenges of the game.
Ultimately, nature reigns supreme at Cypress Point. The course design intentionally incorporates natural features, compelling players to accept specific wildlife interactions as part of the authentic experience. Even the most talented amateur golfers will find themselves confronting these horrendous realities alongside the strategic intricacies of one of golf’s most revered courses. As the Walker Cup approaches, it’s clear that competitors will need to navigate a course that is as much about the wild as it is about the game itself.
