West Penn Amateur postponed amid Allegheny County order

With an alarming increase of positive covid-19 cases surfacing daily in this corner of the state, the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association thought best to postpone one of its marquee events.

The 120th West Penn Amateur, scheduled for July 6-7 at Allegheny Country Club, has been shelved until a later date to be determined.

The move comes after the Allegheny County Health Department suspended gatherings of 25 or more people, starting Friday, including sports events. The ban is planned through July 9.

“We have determined that sporting events include the WPGA Amateur Championship as a nonprofessional event, in the same category as youth sports and high school athletics,” WPGA Executive Director Terry Teasdale said. “The decision was also done for safety reasons for all competitors, our volunteers, and staff. We hope to have more information soon as further guidance becomes available.”

That makes five events on the association schedule that have been affected by the outbreak, which has seen a record-breaking surge in the region.

The other events are:

• Senior Series — Shortened to senior and net Aug. 25 at Nemacolin Country Club, and Sept. 21 at Hannastown Golf Club. Overall champions will be crowned in three divisions.

• 100th WPGA Junior Championship — Rescheduled for July 27 at Grove City Country Club.

• 117th WPGA Open Championship — Rescheduled to Aug. 4-5 at Shannopin Country Club. Event shortened to 36 holes with no cut, and a 54-player field. Qualifiers will be held July 13 at Diamond Run Golf Club and July 15 at Birdsfoot Golf Club

• 79th WPGA Four-Ball Championship — Rescheduled to Aug. 18 at Chartiers Country Club.

Connor Schmidt, a Drexel standout and Peters Township graduate, won last year’s West Penn Am at Oakmont Country Club at 4-over-par.