It was founded in 1914 and is organized by the Western Golf Association.

It is played at a different course each year, primarily in the midwest.

The championship was first played in 1914 at Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, Illinois and was won by Charles Grimes.

Exemptions into the Western Amateur are awarded to the top three finishers and ties.

The tournament has been a testing ground for stars of the future, such as current PGA Tour golfers Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, and Rickie Fowler, and veterans Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Hunter Mahan, Corey Pavin, and Fred Couples.