WPGA - 2005 Open at Oakmont, Qualifiers Set

The 2005 West Penn Open, scheduled for Oakmont Country Club, July 5-6 will use qualifying rounds for the first time, due to the expected size of the field. Several categories of golfers, such as former champions and the top 15 and ties from last year's Open, will be exempt from qualifying. Sites are Chartiers on June 22 and Rolling Hills on June 24. The Open starting field will be 120, with about half exempt and the other half advancing through qualifying.

The 5th hole at Oakmont Country Club during the 2001 C.R. Miller Match Play Invitational.

With the Association adding $18,000 to the purse, up from $14,000 last year, and an expected entry of 180-200 players, prize money will be close to $30,000 a record high, with $5000-$6000 going to the winner. Defending champion is Steve Wheatcroft, Washington.