The 6th green at Sunnehanna Country Club, host of Local Qualifying for the U.S. Amateur Championship in 2024.

U.S. Amateur Qualifying changes

March 13, 2024
By Mike Dudurich


Qualifying for the U.S. Amateur is a challenge. Just ask anybody who’s ever tried to do it.

It has become a grueling, 36-hole test that starts early in the morning and ends when the shadows start to lengthen – if there are no ties, of course.

There has been much conversation about the format over the years and in 2023 changes were finally made in the event, as well as several other events, that will be implemented in 2024.

In a nutshell, the USGA acknowledged that the number of entries and qualifying sites continue to increase, while at the same time pressure also increases the burden on the large number of host clubs and courses for the qualifiers.

New Duquesne Women’s Golf Program to be ‘catalyst’ in Western PA

March 7, 2024
By Josh Rowntree, Director of Communications


Over the last two years, Duquesne University has made several decisions that will almost assuredly positively impact the landscape of girls and women’s golf in Western Pennsylvania.

The University, situated on the doorstep of downtown Pittsburgh, decided in 2022 to sponsor women’s golf as a NCAA Division I sport.

With a lack of Division I women’s programs in the region, the move seemed like a perfect marriage. What has followed continues in the vein.

Colleen Meyers was hired to head the program, bringing years of personal golf experience and a strong coaching background to the Bluff.

Remembering the Ham-Am Tournament at the Pittsburgh Field Club. Arnold Palmer & Perry Como - left. Palmer & a spectator - right. Photos courtesy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Paul Slantis.

Ham-Am Tournament Supported Caddies, Brought out Celebrities

February 23, 2024
By Josh Rowntree, Director of Communications


Over six decades ago, right here in Western Pennsylvania, one of the country’s most beloved pro-am golf tournaments began, bringing out some of the world’s most popular stars of the screen, the mic and of athletics.

The purpose of the competition was simple: raise money for local caddies unable to afford a higher education a chance to go to college.

The Ham-Am Tournament started in the fall of 1962 and was founded by six men.

Former Pittsburgh Pirates broadcasting legend Bob Prince, known as “The Gunner,” was at the forefront of the Ham-Am for years.

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  • Announcements

    Event Registration for the 2024 Season will open on March 15.

    Member Benefits

    WPGA launches WPGA Clubhouse • Check out the WPGA Collection - Here.
    Order from the 2022 WPGA Gifting Collection from Wendell August Forge.
    Proceeds benefit the WPGA Scholarship Fund.
    Click here to order.

    Competitions


    The 2023 WPGA championship season has ended. We thank all of the players and our Member Clubs for their continued support. See you in 2024.

    Qualifying Rounds


    Qualifying for USGA Championships has concluded for 2023 in Western Pennsylvania. We thank all of the players and our Member Clubs for their continued support. See you in 2024.

    Partners

    Thank you to the supporters of the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association.

    Frank B. Fuhrer, Jr.


    Hall of Fame

    Western Pennsylvania has a lengthy, rich and storied history.


    The Western Pennsylvania Golf Association celebrated its centennial in 1998. Part of this celebration was to recognize area golfers and contributors who had an impact on our history. The Western Pennsylvania Golf Hall of Fame was established in 2013 to celebrate this history. The inaugural class consisted of William C. Fownes, Jr., Jock Hutchison, Arnold Palmer, Carol Semple Thompson, and Lew Worsham.

    Scholarship Fund

    Founded in 1941, nearly 700 students have received a scholarship.


    The WPGA Scholarship Fund was founded in 1941 and awarded two scholarships to the University of Pittsburgh and another to Duquesne University. The first Caddie Welfare Committee surfaced in 1927 and addressed issues to benefit of caddies at the various Member Clubs of the Association. Fourteen years later the movement secured enough money to sponsor its first scholars.