125th WPGA season begins with two competitions next week

April 23, 2024
By Josh Rowntree, Director of Communications

---

The Western Pennsylvania Golf Association (WPGA) is gearing up to host its first two golf competitions of the 2024 season. On April 29th, Valley Brook Country Club will host the WPGA Spring Stroke Play Championship, followed by the WPGA Senior Series #1 on April 30th at Nemacolin Country Club.

WPGA Spring Stroke Play Championship - April 29, Valley Brook Country Club

The season’s first event, the Spring Stroke Play Championship, has traditionally brought out many of the region’s top amateur golfers for an early test.

A year ago, a thrilling final round unfolded at Nemacolin Country Club, with three players finishing at 3-under following the day’s second and final round.

Shipley's 'whirlwind' Masters built on West Penn foundation

April 16, 2024
By Josh Rowntree, Director of Communications

---

Neal Shipley stepped to the first tee at Augusta National Thursday morning. The strong Georgia winds gusted, continuing the development of the tears already welling in his eyes, as the Mt. Lebanon native drove his tee in the ground on the first teeing area.

His opening swing sailed 301 yards right, landing among the Chinese Fir trees lining the opening fairway.

A punch out into a green-side bunker was followed by an impressive save for par. And, that quickly, the wildest weekend of the amateur’s life was underway.

“I was more emotional than anything else,” says Shipley of the opening hole. “I had some tears going a little bit. It wasn’t like I was crazy nervous or shaking. I was more just emotional and grateful for the opportunity. I just tried to make the best swing I could.”

WPGA Founding Club Series: Edgewood Country Club

April 16, 2024
By Josh Rowntree, Director of Communications

---

As a part of Western Pennsylvania Golf Association’s 125th Anniversary, the WPGA will look back at the five founding clubs of the association in a historical review.

The five founding clubs of the WPGA are Edgewood Country Club, Allegheny Country Club, Pittsburgh Field Club, Pittsburgh Golf Club and Edgeworth Club.

Today, the WPGA revisits the history of Edgewood Country Club, the host of the 2024 WPGA Club Ambassador Day on April 22, and a club that has strong, founding ties to one of the most famous surnames in Western Pennsylvania history.

Roots in the 1800s

In the late 1800s, Henry Herman Westinghouse — the brother of American entrepreneur and engineer George Westinghouse — teamed up with a group of lawyers to design a small golf course in the Homestead area, laying the foundation for what would eventually become Edgewood Country Club.

Recent Posts

WPGA Founding Club Series