Montour Heights proves tough challenge for WPGA Open qualifiers
By Josh Rowntree, Director of Communications • April 30, 2025
CORAOPOLIS — At least through one qualifying round, it appears that earning a way into the 122nd WPGA Open Championship is going to be quite the challenge.
That was beyond evident Wednesday at Montour Heights Country Club, as no players managed to shoot even-par or better in the first qualifying event for the West Penn Open.
Brian Cooper finished in the top spot, as the professional shot a 2-over score of 74 on a sunny day that began with brisk temperatures in the region.
Behind Cooper, two players finished at 3-over: Jeffrey Schmigel and former Westminster University golfer Sam Napper.
“I didn’t check the leaderboard until the 18th,” said Napper after his round. “I had a good feeling about it, but it’s tough. The back nine is narrow off the tee. So it’s just avoiding hitting it out of play basically.”
And that seemed to be the strategy of the day for those who qualified and who found a way to manage the multi-angled slopes and craftily rigged terrain of Montour Heights.
“I missed in the right places here,” said Napper. “I wouldn’t say that I hit it that good today, but I didn’t miss in the wrong places.”
Five players finished 4-over for the day, including Michael Quallich, a junior at Baldwin High School who will represent the WPGA this August in the Williamson Cup in Quebec, Canada.
Jonny Stuckert, Matthew Morelli, Andrew Rickard and Anthony Muscato all shot 4-over with Quallich.
Adam Sciulli, Michael Donovan, Ryan Banks, Weston Banks, Barrett Klaas, Christopher Hoffman and former professional hockey player Nick Sorkin all qualified by shooting 5-over. Sam Brourman and Troy Loughry will also be able to play in the WPGA Open Championship after shooting scores of 78, and Kevin Lazzaro will advance with a 79 and a victory in a playoff.
Three alternate spots were secured, as well.
For some, like Napper, it’s a first-ever trip to the WPGA Open Championship, which will be contested June 16-18 at Sewickley Heights Golf Club.
“It was really timing with my work,” said Napper, a 23-year-old who has played in a handful of WPGA Amateur Championships in the past. “This event lined up better with my vacation schedule this year. I’m taking off work for the U.S. Open and then taking off the week after to now play in the West Penn Open.”
The course was able to dry in time following widespread and destructive storms that passed through the region the night before, knocking down trees and cutting power to hundreds of thousands of Western Pennsylvania residents and establishments.
The tireless work of the staff at Montour Heights to ready the course, however, allowed the competition to go on as scheduled, and allowed 18 players to chase after a trophy that some of the region’s all-time greats have gotten their hands on over the years.
“I’m very excited” Napper said. “I love Sewickley Heights. And I’ve never made the cut at a West Penn event. So that’s my goal, to make the cut at one of these things."
For results, click here. (GGID: 25WPGAOPENQ)
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.