The WPGA Spring Stroke Play Championship began in 1994 and has emerged as one of the premier early-season competitions for amateur golfers in the region, annually bringing out strong fields to compete.

Through the event’s history, one player has left an indelible mark on the event. Nathan Smith has claimed a remarking nine titles in the Spring Stroke Play, with all of his victories coming from 2005-2017, including a three-peat in the championship from 2015-2016.

Rick Stimmel has won the event three times, doing so in three different decades. Sean Knapp, one of the region’s most accomplished amateur players of all-time, claimed all three wins in a four-year stretch from 1998-2001. 

The first champion of the Spring Stroke Play was Steve Savor in 1994.

 Current PGA Tour member Neal Shipley took home the Spring Stroke Play title in 2021, while three-time West Penn major champion Connor Schmidt was victorious in 2018.

Initially, the Spring Stroke Play began as an invitation for WPGA Member Club Champions, winners of WPGA championships and select invitees. However, the field has evolved into a full field open competition.

The Spring Stroke Play Championship is a single-day, 36-hole stroke play competition. 

The winner of the WPGA Spring Stroke Play receives the Jack Benson Trophy, named for Jack Benson, who won six West Penn Amateur titles between 1934 and 1954.