Conrad Shindler Wins 2017 REX Hospital Open at TPC Wakefield Plantation
Shindler clinches his first Web.com Tour victory in a sudden death, one-hole playoff
RALEIGH, N.C. – Conrad Shindler won this year’s REX Hospital Open, the annual charity golf tournament that brought more than 150 professional golfers from around the world to Raleigh. In a dramatic ending to the four-day tournament, Shindler won in a sudden death, one-hole playoff against Chesson Hadley, the 2013 REX Hospital Open winner and Raleigh native.
"It was a magical week,” Shindler said of his victory at TPC Wakefield in his first win on the Web.com Tour. "Winning the REX Hospital Open means so much, and it's a big step forward in my career. To win on this level is all you dream of."
By Sunday afternoon, Shindler and Hadley were neck and neck. By the 18th hole, the two were tied at -15 which set them into a sudden death overtime. After Hadley narrowly missed a putt, Shindler was able to clinch the win and secure his first Web.com Tour victory.
To top off his extraordinary win, Shindler's fiancé, Theresa Howard, surprised him at the tournament and watched him secure his title. Shindler and Howard are scheduled to get married in November.
“We had another exciting and fun-filled weekend at the REX Hospital Open this year,” said Steve Burriss, president of UNC REX Healthcare. “We were proud to host these talented professional golfers, and are especially pleased for our champion, Conrad Shindler. This year’s tournament was a success in large part to the hard work of more than 500 volunteers, and we thank them for their efforts, which helped us raise money to support patient care for our community.”
A native of Phoenix, AZ, Shindler is a graduate of Texas A&M and currently resides in Dallas, TX.
This year marked the 30th anniversary of REX charity golf. As the Triangle’s premier charity golf event, the REX Hospital Open has raised more than $9 million for patients in need over the past three decades. Funds raised this year will support cardiovascular education and prevention at the new North Carolina Heart & Vascular Hospital on UNC REX’s main Raleigh campus.
Shindler’s victory was the perfect way to wrap up an action-packed week of golf and other fun activities for golfers and families at the REX Hospital Open. The event kicked off on Tuesday, and featured several events throughout the week, including a Pro-Am tournament on Wednesday, an Honorary Opening Tee Shot highlighting the Military Caddie Program, Family Day at the Open sponsored by the Carolina Hurricanes, as well as Sunday’s Service Appreciation day sponsored by First Citizens Bank.
Family-friendly activities including Food Truck Friday featuring Cousins Maine Lobster, Fresh Local Ice Cream and Gonza Tacos, and a live broadcast of “The Sports Shop” radio show drew large crowds. On Saturday, families were able to enjoy lots of fun activities such as face painting, free ice cones, rock climbing, food trucks and live music by Old Habits.
The Web.com Tour is the path to the PGA Tour. The top 25 earners on the Web.com Tour money list are automatically granted a PGA Tour card the following season. This year, 21 of the top 25 earners played at the Rex Hospital Open.
