Pepperdine senior Willy Walsh enters the 2026- 2027 season following the strongest year of his collegiate career and ranked No. 10 in the PGA TOUR University Class of 2027 rankings.
The San Mateo, California, native finished tied for 10th at the 2026 NCAA Championships, earned Golfweek All America recognition and represented the United States at the Arnold Palmer Cup. His steady progression across three seasons has positioned him among the leading players in college golf entering his senior year.
Career Highlights
• No. 10 in the PGA TOUR University Class of 2027 rankings
• 2026- 2027 Fred Haskins Award Preseason Watch List
• Golfweek All America selection
• 2026 Arnold Palmer Cup U.S. Team
• T10 at the 2026 NCAA Championships
• T10 at the 2026 NCAA Winston Salem Regional
• T2 at the Ben Hogan Collegiate
• Six Top 10 finishes during the 2025 to 2026 season
• 70.47 scoring average as a junior
• Career low 63 at the Amer Ari Invitational
• All WCC First Team selection
• 2023 Silicon Valley Amateur champion
• 2020 California Junior Amateur champion
Building His Game at Pepperdine
Walsh’s collegiate career has been defined by consistent improvement. His scoring average dropped from 72.38 as a freshman to 71.95 as a sophomore and 70.47 as a junior, while his number of rounds under par increased from 11 to 19 to 25.
Walsh told CGN that his freshman season provided an early education in what elite college golf required. Pepperdine had an unusually young roster, and Walsh was regularly competing against some of the best players in the country. He used those experiences to establish a more structured approach to practice after his first season.
Physical development also played a role. Walsh said he initially struggled to match the distance of other college players, which motivated him to work in the weight room and improve his play from tee to green.
Breakthrough Junior Season
Walsh’s progression produced a career year in 2025- 2026.
He competed in all 14 events, recorded six Top 10 finishes and finished tied for 10th at both the NCAA Winston Salem Regional and NCAA Championships.
Walsh credited improvements in his mental approach, work with swing coach Tony Greco and competing alongside experienced Pepperdine teammates as factors in his junior season. He said the mental improvements helped him produce competitive rounds even when his physical game was not at its best.
Performing on the National Stage
Walsh’s tie for 10th at the NCAA Championships made him the eighth Pepperdine golfer to record a Top 10 individual finish at the event.
During his conversation with CGN, Walsh described the NCAA Championships as his favorite tournament of the year because of the team focus and pressure surrounding every shot. He emphasized that the national championship creates an environment where players are competing for their program rather than solely for individual results.
Interview Highlights with CGN
Choosing Pepperdine
Walsh narrowed his college decision to USC and Pepperdine. He was drawn to Pepperdine’s winning culture and the program’s history of developing players who continued their careers professionally.
Year to Year Development
Walsh has improved his scoring average in each season. Increased distance, stronger ball striking and a more developed mental approach have helped drive that progression.
Senior Leadership
Walsh now finds himself in a much different position from his freshman season. With three freshmen and a sophomore transfer joining the roster, he has embraced the opportunity to become a leader and hopes to leave an impact that continues after his Pepperdine career ends.
Championship Goals
Pepperdine enters the season with a young and deep roster. Walsh said the team’s ultimate goal is to compete for a national championship and use that objective as motivation throughout the year.
CGN Angle
Walsh’s path at Pepperdine has been one of consistent development.
He arrived as a talented California junior and has progressed into an NCAA Championships Top 10 finisher, Golfweek All America selection, Arnold Palmer Cup competitor and Haskins Award candidate.
Now ranked No. 10 in PGA TOUR University entering his senior season, Walsh has an opportunity to turn that progression into a memorable final year while taking on a larger leadership role for the Waves.
Sources
Willy Walsh Pepperdine Player Profile