Quallich's monster round delivers WPGA Junior crown
By Josh Rowntree, Director of Communications • June 10, 2025
WASHINGTON, PA — Despite his age, Michael Quallich has been knocking on the door of plenty of WPGA events over the last two years.
On Monday, he kicked that door down. In a major way.
Quallich, a towering 15-year-old from the South Hills of Pittsburgh, posted a dominant 7-under round of 65, cruising to his first West Penn major title in the 105th Junior Championship at Lone Pine Country Club in Washington.
“I definitely have been playing well in West Penn events and other events, so it is great to see that the work is paying off and everything is clicking,” said Quallich. “It was truly something special.”
Indeed, it was. The score of 65 was the lowest ever for the sophomore at Baldwin High School.
“Yeah, this is my personal best,” he said with a smile. “There’s a difference between doing it now and playing with your buddies. I think it is really special that it happened during a tournament.”
Due to dangerous weather in the area that halted play at 4:42 p.m., the results of the first round only were used for the final results. Quallich was still sitting in a comfortable lead during the second round of play when lightning and rain forced the pause.
“It was a crazy day,” he said. “I didn’t start off hot. I was sort of just cruising then a lightbulb flickered on, and I made everything on the back nine.”
As players entered the scoring area following the first round, plenty of the chatter was about Quallich. He finished four strokes ahead of Nico Ward and Jack Sacriponte, who took home co-runner-up honors at 3-under. Sam Bishop was 2-under and Rocco Bautti and Henry Manciu both scored 1-under for the day.
Quallich started his round on the back nine of the hilly course, posting a 34 with four birdies and two bogeys. After the turn, he eliminated the mistakes entirely, shooting a remarkable score of 31 with five birdies and four pars.
“I actually just got a new putter, and all it has come down to is practicing with it,” he said. “After having a rough winter and fall, I definitely think getting the new putter was a huge factor. I made a lot of putts and everything felt right.
“However, in the moment I wasn’t really thinking about (the score). Once I got done was when it really hit me.”
In August, Quallich will represent the WPGA at the Williamson Cup in Montreal. He has quickly established himself as one of the region’s most impressive junior players, having qualified for the West Penn Am and finishing seventh in the ultra-competitive WPGA Spring Stroke Play Championship in May.
But his roots are a bit humbler than most players at his talent level. Quallich learned the game via the First Tee program, and now regularly gives back to kids who he hopes will follow in the footsteps of West Penn’s newest major champion.
“I am very fortunate to have First Tee,” he said. “I’m a volunteer coach now and it’s great to see how kids who were in my position come up from there.
“There are so many great opportunities and people in First Tee. Without them I don’t think I would be anywhere near the golfer I am now, not just the golf side but the personality side, as well.”
Monday was his latest chapter — and perhaps the biggest — in his still blossoming career. He will have his name etched on a trophy that was twice held by Arnold Palmer and features some of the region’s top talents over the last century.
“With the history of the tournament and organization it makes it so special,” said Quallich. “It’s an honor. It feels so unbelievable.
“Just to be within that mix of names is once in a lifetime. I am really proud and honored to be there. I get to share something with one of the greatest golfers of all time.”
For final results, please click here. (GGID: 25WPGAJR)
For any 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 nearly 37,000 members. The WPGA conducts 14 individual competitions and 10 team events, and administers the WPGA Scholarship Fund and Western Pennsylvania Golf Hall of Fame.