2024 Application Information
122nd Western Amateur Championship
Moraine Country Club, Dayton, Ohio
July 29 – August 3, 2024
ENTRIES OPEN – Thursday, February 1, 2024
ENTRIES CLOSE – 5 p.m. (CDT) on Friday, June 21, 2024
ELIGIBILITY – This Championship is open to male amateur golfers with an official and verified World Handicap System index not exceeding 3.0. All entrants must conform to the USGA Rules of Amateur Status and meet the requirements of the USGA Gender Policy. Entries for a player who is a minor, must be approved by a parent or guardian. All entries are subject to approval or rejection by the WGA at any time before or after the start of play. The reason for rejection may include conduct unbecoming of a participant (see CODE OF CONDUCT below).
FIELD – The field may be limited by the WGA to a maximum of 156 contestants. The WGA shall determine the players who are exempt into the field in accordance with the list of exemption categories. Eligible players who are not automatically exempt should submit a completed entry form, including a golf resume, with the application fee seeking a D-1 Special Consideration Exemption prior to the deadline date. Non-exempt players and those who are not awarded D-1 Special Consideration Exemptions can gain entry into the Championship via the Western Amateur Qualifier.
QUALIFIER – The 2024 Western Amateur Qualifier will be contested on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at NCR Country Club in Kettering, OH. After the Western Amateur field is set on June 28, 2024, non-exempt players and those who are not awarded a D-1 Special Consideration exemption will receive a link via email to sign-up for the qualifier. The qualifier will be limited to 84 participants playing for 7 qualifying spots. Spots in the qualifier will be awarded on a first come, first serve sign up basis. The entry fee is $150 and the deadline to register is July 21, 2024. If an entrant who has registered for the qualifier withdraws before 5 p.m. (CDT) on July 21, 2024, the entry fee will automatically be refunded. If an entrant withdraws for any reason after 5 p.m. (CDT) on July 21, 2024, no refunds will be given. A waitlist will be established after reaching 84 participants.
ENTRY & WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES –
- All entries must be submitted online at www.thewesternamateur.com. Late, incomplete, or inaccurate entry forms will not be accepted.
- There is a nonrefundable $25 application fee for all applications.
- All entries and application fees of $25 must be submitted online prior to 5 p.m. (CDT) on Friday, June 21, 2024. Only one entry may be filed per player.
- If an entrant who has paid the entire entry fee ($395) withdraws before 5 p.m. (CDT) on June 21, 2024, the full entry fee will be refunded, less the $25 application fee.
- If an entrant withdraws for any reason after 5 p.m. (CDT) on June 21, 2024, but before 5 p.m. (CDT) on Monday, July 15, 2024, 50% of the entry fee ($185) will be refunded.
- No refunds will be made for withdrawals after Monday, July 15, 2024.
- If you cannot compete and do not officially withdraw prior to the tournament, you will be treated as a “no-show” and will be subject to exclusion from future WGA events. Entrants should contact Steve Prioletti,
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (224) 260-3738, to formally withdraw from the event. - Upon acceptance into the tournament field, the balance of the entry fee ($370 - credit card payment submitted online) must be paid by July 15, 2024, to confirm each applicant's acceptance into the event. Each applicant who is accepted into the field will be sent a link to make a payment on the remaining balance of $370.
TOURNAMENT ACCEPTANCE – Players who qualify for an exemption into the tournament in categories A, B, C, and E will be notified of their acceptance into the tournament after receipt of the online application and application fee, provided there are spaces available. All players applying for a D-1 Special Consideration Exemption will be emailed notification of their status by June 28, 2024. Non-exempt players and those who are not awarded D-1 Special Consideration Exemptions will have the opportunity to apply for the qualifier on June 28, 2024. A separate sign-up link will be sent via email to apply for the qualifier.
FORMAT – Tuesday & Wednesday, July 30 & 31 — 36 holes of qualifying, 18 holes each day; the low 44 players and ties after 36 holes enter the final 36 holes of qualifying on Thursday, August 1; low 16 players after 72 holes of stroke play qualifying enter match play. In event of a tie for the 16th position, a sudden-death playoff shall be held to determine the qualifiers. The playoff will begin as soon as the last player has completed 72 holes of stroke play qualifying and all scores are posted. All players in the playoff are required to be at the teeing ground where the playoff is to commence. All rounds will be played at Moraine Country Club.
Sunday, July 28
A.M. / P.M. – Western Amateur Contestant-Amateur Event (Moraine Country Club)
Western Amateur Qualifier (Site: TBD)
Monday, July 29
6:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. – Player Registration (Moraine Country Club Clubhouse)
7:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. – Practice Rounds
Tuesday, July 30
A.M. & P.M. – First Round Stroke Play
7:00 P.M. – Player Welcome Party (Moraine Country Club Clubhouse)
Wednesday, July 31
A.M. & P.M. – Second Round Stroke Play
(low 44 plus ties enter final 36 holes of qualifying)
Thursday, August 1
A.M. & P.M. – Third & Fourth Rounds of Stroke Play Qualifying
(low 16 enter Match Play)
Friday, August 2
A.M. – Round of 16 (Match Play)
P.M. – Quarterfinals (Match Play)
Saturday, August 3
A.M. – Semifinals (Match Play)
P.M. – Finals (Match Play)
SPECIAL EXEMPTIONS – The Champion of the 2024 Western Amateur Championship will be granted an exemption into the 2025 NV5 Invitational Presented by Old National Bank on the Korn Ferry Tour.
AWARDS – WGA maintains two permanent trophies in conjunction with the Western Amateur Championship. The name of the champion will be engraved on the George R Thorne trophy. The name of the medalist will be engraved on the Cameron Eddy Trophy. A Western Amateur keeper trophy and medalist trophy will also be presented to the champion and medalist, with medals being presented to the champion and runner-up.
REGISTRATION – All players must register with the WGA on Monday, July 29. Player Registration will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (EDT) and will be located in the Moraine Country Club clubhouse. If you cannot register during this time, you must make prior arrangements by notifying the WGA tournament staff in advance by calling (224) 260-3738. Failure to register will result in your entry being withdrawn. Late registration, with prior approval, will be available on Monday afternoon. WGA tournament staff must be notified in advance of your request for late registration.
PRACTICE – Moraine Country Club will be available for practice rounds on Monday, July 29, for all participants. Approximately one month prior to the tournament, contestants will receive an email with step-by-step instructions to secure their practice round time through the Golfgenius portal. Each player must personally register with the WGA prior to playing a practice round. Players will have the option to book one additional practice round between April 15 and July 21and can do so by contacting Brent Sipe, (947) 293-6391 or
PLAYER WELCOME PARTY – The player welcome party will be held on Tuesday, July 30. Contestants attend as guests of the WGA; parents, family members, and caddies may attend for a fee and will have the opportunity to purchase tickets at the check-in table the evening of Tuesday, July 30. Contestants are strongly encouraged to attend.
CADDIE POLICY – Moraine Country Club caddies are available for the practice round and tournament play on a first-come, first-served basis. A player is not required to employ a caddie for any stage of the Championship although it is strongly recommended. Players’ family members and friends are permitted to caddie for contestants. If you would like to request a Moraine Country Club caddie, please contact Jonathan McEldowney, (937) 751-5316 or
TRAVEL TRANSPORTATION AND ACCOMMODATIONS – Upon notice of tournament acceptance, participants should book flight reservations into Dayton International Airport (Approx. 25 minutes from Moraine Country Club). The host hotel is the Marriott University of Dayton, 1414 South Patterson Blvd., Dayton, OH 45409. The special tournament rate is $150 + tax. Contestants are responsible for making their own hotel reservations and can do so by calling (937) 223-1000. Contestants can also make reservations through the online booking portal attached in the official acceptance email.
PRIVATE HOUSING – As in past years, a limited amount of private housing will be provided. This is done on a first come, first-serve basis only. The form to sign-up for private housing and transportation will be sent out via email one month prior to tournament week. Players will be given private housing on a space available basis only. PLEASE NOTE: Airport pickups and returns for those staying in private housing will only be available from Dayton International Airport.
HEADQUARTERS – All inquiries should be directed to Steve Prioletti, Director of Amateur Competitions of the Western Golf Association, 2501 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, IL 60026, (224) 260-3738,
CODE OF CONDUCT – The following actions by players or caddies will be considered violations of the Code of Conduct: any abusive language, club throwing, cheating, disrespect of volunteers or officials, host families, abuse of the course, leaving the course during your competitive round without permission from a WGA official, any use of or association with drugs or alcohol, not adhering to the dress code during any portion of the tournament, any vandalism at a host hotel, and/or any other conduct not becoming of a Western Amateur contestant. The penalties for Code of Conduct violations, based on the severity of misconduct, may be any or all of the following: a warning, disqualification of the player from the tournament, suspension of the player indefinitely from WGA championships.
PLAYER DRESS CODE – Players and caddies may wear golf/Bermuda style shorts or pants during the practice round and all rounds of the championship. Collared shirts must be worn during all phases of the tournament. Players in violation of the dress code will not be permitted to start the competition. A violation of the dress code by a player during the stipulated round must be rectified without undue delay or the player will not be allowed to continue play. Proper dress code is always required while at the host facility, including in the clubhouse and at all practice facilities before and after play.
FOOTWEAR – It is a condition of the competition that shoes with metal or traditionally designed spikes are prohibited. Penalty for breach of this condition: Disqualification.
STARTING TIMES — Pairings and starting times for the first two rounds will be posted on the Golfgenius portal by 12 noon (EDT) on Sunday, July 28. Pairings can also be viewed at www.thewesternamateur.com. Pairings will not be available from WGA Headquarters in advance.
RULES OF GOLF – The Rules of Golf as approved by the USGA and The R&A, as modified by local rules established by the WGA, govern play. The WGA tournament committee reserves the right to alter any of the conditions and schedules herein. Changes in tournament format caused by force majeure shall be within the sole discretion of the WGA officials. The decisions of the WGA tournament committee on any matter shall be final.
PUBLICITY AND PROMOTION; BROADCASTING – By submitting this application, I understand that the WGA or its designees, may record, film, photograph, or otherwise capture my likeness, image, voice, biography, references to me, my quoted statements, and my play in the Championship (the foregoing, together with my name, my “Appearance”). In consideration of the opportunity to participate in the Championship, by submitting this Application, I grant (and/or have the authority to grant to the WGA in the case of a parent/guardian of a minor or other authorized representative submitting the Application on my behalf) to the WGA, and its licensees, successors and assigns, the perpetual, transferable, assignable, worldwide, royalty-free, irrevocable right to use my Appearance, in whole or in part, in all manner (including exhibition, distribution, reproduction, publication, display, broadcast, transmission or otherwise), and media now known or hereafter invented or discovered, and for any purpose whatsoever. The rights granted herein include, without limitation, the right to use the Appearance, or portions thereof, in promotion of the Championship and future championships through any of the foregoing means of distribution, as well as in the design, manufacture and distribution of merchandise related to the Championship or other championships, that include elements of my Appearance. The WGA is not obligated to use my Appearance in any matter, and materials embodying any aspect of my Appearance do not need be submitted to me for approval. I release and discharge the WGA, its licensees, successors and assigns from any claims arising from use of my Appearance, including claims for misrepresentation of me, my character, or my person by any means. As between the WGA and me, the WGA shall own all rights, title, and interest, including the copyright(s), in and to any works created by the WGA, its licensees, successors and assigns, that include all or a portion of my Appearance. This grant shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, and the successors and assigns of the WGA. I hereby waive all privacy, publicity, defamation, libel, and proprietary rights relating to the Appearance as used by the WGA in conjunction with these terms. Players are required to cooperate with representatives of the media; however, no pre-Championship activities outside of those activities which are part of the Championship will be required. Authorized representatives of the media will not interfere with the player’s Championship play in an unreasonable manner.
2024 Exemption Categories
EXEMPT PLAYERS – Players in category A, B, C, or E are automatically exempt into the starting field providing: they also meet the eligibility requirements posted in the application information ELIGIBILITY section, and (2) there are spaces available.
NON-EXEMPT PLAYERS – If a player is not exempt under any of the below exemption categories and is eligible, he should submit a completed entry form and application fee seeking a D-1 Special Consideration Exemption prior to the application deadline. D-1 Special Consideration Exemption candidates should also attach a golf resume (maximum of one page) to their application. All players who are awarded D-1 Special Consideration Exemptions will be emailed notification of their acceptance into the starting field by June 28, 2024.
The field may be limited by the WGA to a maximum of 156 players. Those not originally accepted into the 156-man field may become alternates for exempt players who subsequently withdraw. Non-exempt players and those who are not awarded D-1 Special Consideration Exemptions can gain entry into the Championship via the Western Amateur Qualifier on July 28th at NCR Country Club.
A. Exemptions based on WGA Championships:
Western Amateur:
A-1. Champions (2014–2023).
A-2. “Sweet Sixteen” – match-play qualifier (2019–2023).
A-3. Posted 72-hole score (2022–2023).
Western Junior:
A-4. Champions (2022–2024).
A-5. Top three finishers & ties (2024).
B. Exemptions based on ranking systems, teams, & amateur events:
B-1. Any player ranked within the top 175 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking system (see wagr.com) between time of entry and June 21, 2024.
B-2. The top 20 ranked players from the Elite Amateur Golf Series Final Standings – “Elite Amateur Cup” (2023).
B-3. Playing Members of the United States & Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup Teams, four-year exemption once appointed to the team.
B-4. Rolex Junior All-American First Team members (2023).
B-5. Winner of the U.S. Amateur Championship (2021-2023).
B-6. Runner-up of the U.S. Amateur Championship (2023).
B-7. Winner and runner-up of the Amateur Championship conducted by the R&A (2023).
B-8. Winner and runner-up of the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship (2023).
B-9. Winners of the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship (2024).
B-10. Winners of the Asia Pacific Amateur (2023), European Amateur (2023), and Latin American Amateur (2024).
C. Exemptions based on collegiate ranking systems, teams, & collegiate events:
C-1. Any player ranked within the top 25 in the Division-1 SPIKEMARK Ranking system between June 3 and June 21, 2024.
C-2. GCAA Division I First Team All-Americans (2023-2024).
C-3. Winners of the NCAA (Div. I, II or III) or NAIA championships – individual champions (2024).
C-4. Winners of the NCAA Division I Regionals – individual champions (2024).
D. Exemptions based on special considerations or invitations:
D-1. A limited number of D-1 Special Consideration Exemptions and/or written invitations may be granted by the Committee. If you do not qualify under the exemption categories listed in A, B, C or E, please apply for a D-1 Special Consideration Exemption online.
E. Exemptions based on professional events:
E-1. Posted 72-hole score in a PGA TOUR event, DP World Tour event, or Korn Ferry Tour event (2023–2024).
E-2. Posted a 36-hole score in The Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, or The Open Championship (2023–2024).