Mito Pereira Wins 2021 REX Hospital Open, Triangle’s Premiere Professional Golf Tournament
Charity golf tournament raises money to support care and services at Raleigh’s UNC REX Hospital
RALEIGH, N.C. – June 6, 2021 – Mito Pereira won the 2021 REX Hospital Open on Sunday, a year after the Triangle’s premiere professional golf tournament was paused in response to the pandemic.
Pereira, a native of Chile, won by one stroke, following a playoff against Stephen Jaeger. The win guarantees Pereira a spot on the PGA TOUR next year.
“I’ve been working for this a long time,” Pereira said. “Ever since I was three I wanted to play on the PGA TOUR. It’s a dream. Thank you to everyone at the REX Hospital Open for a great week.”
Among other players with local ties who played well in the tournament, Stephen Franken of Raleigh, an N.C. State alumnus, finished tied for sixth place. Andrew Novak, who was born at UNC REX Hospital, tied for ninth. Ben Kohles of Cary tied for 15th.
The REX Hospital Open is the largest and most successful annual charity fundraiser for the REX Healthcare Foundation, supporting patient care and services at UNC REX Hospital. It’s also an important stop on the PGA TOUR’s Korn Ferry Tour. This year, 156 professional golfers competed for four days at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation, culminating in the final round and trophy presentation on Sunday, June 6.
Pereira won $117,000, with a total purse for the tournament of $650,000. This year’s tournament featured a first: free admission for all fans, sponsored by Drive Shack.
“Congratulations to Mito Pereira on his victory. We are excited that this year’s tournament was a success and so many fans were able to get back outside and enjoy world-class golf,” said Ernie Bovio, president of UNC REX. “We look forward to even more fans coming out for the 2022 REX Hospital Open.”
Next year’s REX Hospital Open is scheduled for May 30 to June 5, 2022.
