2014 Rex Hospital Open: Mathis earns sponsor’s exemption

Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network
Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network

RALEIGH, N.C. — Local professional golfer David Mathis received a sponsor’s exemption to compete in the upcoming 2014 Rex Hospital Open as announced by Rex Healthcare on Monday.

Mathis is a North Carolina native and Wake Forest resident who considers TPC at Wakefield Plantation, the tournament’s competition site, his “home” course.

“I started playing at TPC at Wakefield more than 10 years ago and know the course conditions will be fantastic,” Mathis said.

“Living not far from the course and being able to sleep in my own bed during the tournament is such a blessing. It’s always exciting to play an event where you know so many folks who have been supportive of your golf career for years.”

Mathis, 40, earned his PGA Tour card in 2009, a year in which he finished third in the local Web.com Tour event.

A Campbell University grad, he has played in two Web.com events early in 2014 – the Pacific Rubiales Columbia Championship and the Panama Claro Championship.

Last season on the PGA Tour, Mathis posted a career-best finish at the 2013 Reno-Tahoe Open (T-5) while making the cut in 12 of 24 events he played, and finishing with $274,477 in earnings (165th).

Mathis has four career Top-10s and 18 finishes in the Top 25.

“David is an excellent selection as a sponsor’s pick for this year’s tournament as he has close ties to both the community and Rex Hospital,” tournament director Carson Gilbert said.

“His performance at TPC at Wakefield has been excellent and we are excited to have another North Carolina native in this great field of professionals.”

Mathis has two wins on the Web.com Tour, winning the BMW Charity Pro-Am in 2008 and the Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open in 2010, a year during which he earned six Top-10s in 23 starts.

“One big goal of the Rex Hospital Open is to connect Rex with our community by giving back and supporting our patients and their families,” Rex president David Strong said.

“Sponsoring a strong, local golfer who shares our commitment to helping our community is another way we can strengthen that connection.”

The Rex Hospital Open takes place May 22-25.