Johnson's make history in 75th WPGA Brothers Tournament
By Josh Rowntree, Director of Communications • July 26, 2024
PITTSBURGH — For the second time in three years, Tanner and Parker Johnson walked out of Shannopin Country Club with a team title. This time, however, they also took with them a little piece of history.
The two brothers dominated the challenging sloped fairways of the Pittsburgh course Friday, shooting a 10-under 61 in the Chapman Scoring Format event and cruising to a win in the 75th WPGA Brothers Championship.
The 10-under mark is the best round in the event’s storied history.
The Johnson brothers won the Brothers Championship two years ago by shooting 6-under. They more than one-upped that showing Friday, again conquering the field and Shannopin.
“We had a good run at it last year, but lost in a playoff, unfortunately,” said Tanner. “It’s always good. If we’re both playing pretty well, I know we always have a good chance to win this one.
“We’ve played here for at least four or five years. And I’ve played a West Penn Open here and either a West Penn Junior or a U.S. Junior Am qualifier here, too. So, we’ve played a fair share of round here.
“We know where to hit it and where not to hit it. And we know the greens. That’s a big bonus in an event like this.”
The duo started strong early, posting an eagle on the opening hole, followed by birdies in three of the next four holes.
“You kind of think, ‘oh wow, what a great start, what a great day it could be,’” said Parker.
For Parker, it’s his second WPGA team win in the last two weeks. The Robert Morris grad picked up a win in a lengthy playoff in the 100th WPGA Father & Son Tournament last Monday at Fox Chapel.
“It’s definitely a little weird and you definitely don’t expect it,” Parker said. “I guess it’s a pretty cool stat and something we can always go back and say, ‘what a great two weeks.’
“I thought me and Tanner would have a better chance at winning this one than me and my dad would. But it’s always nice getting a trophy at the end of the day, especially with a family member.”
Tanner — who also competed in the Father & Son — now has equal bragging rights with his father, Brent.
“He’s got nothing on this one,” said Tanner, with a laugh. “He texted us after and said, ‘really good round of golf.’ It’s good. It’s a great day.”
The winner of the 2021 West Penn Amateur and last year’s 30th WPGA Spring Stroke Play, Tanner is selective about his events now due to his work schedule at a financial group in the area. That prevented him from playing in this week’s West Penn Open — won by a former high school teammate at Peters Township in Alec Stopperich.
But a chance to play with — and win with — his brother was too good of an opportunity to not take some time off for.
“It’s awesome,” Tanner said. “It’s really cool and it seems like it’s an event that we circle every year on the calendar. Some of our other friends have brothers who are starting to get into golf and play. They always look forward to this one, so we always want to play and beat their butt, just for some bragging rights.
“It’s an awesome day and we’re looking forward to coming back next year."
Ronald and David Denunzio — three-time winners of the event — rallied late to shoot 6-under and finish second, a stroke ahead of Kevin and Brian Fajt.
Robert and Joe Blumling won the Net Tournament, scoring a net adjusted 2-under 69.
For starting times and a live leaderboard, click here (24WPGABROTHERS).
For media inquiries, please contact WPGA Director of Communications Josh Rowntree.
About the WPGA
Founded in 1899, the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association is the steward of amateur golf in the region. Started by five Member Clubs, the association now has nearly 200 Member Clubs and 34,000 members. The WPGA conducts 14 individual competitions and 10 team events, and administers the WPGA Scholarship Fund and Western Pennsylvania Golf Hall of Fame.