Peter Koutroumpis (@pksport)
RALEIGH, NC – The upcoming 2025 UNC Health Championship to be played at Raleigh Country Club, May 29 – June 1, will once again present this year‘s field with a challenge to score low.
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2025 UNC Health Championship
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The next stop on the Korn Ferry Tour following this weekend’s Knoxville Open will have the PGA Tour’s up-and-comers as well as veterans tee it up on the Donald Ross layout that flashes its appeal from both a playing point of view and as part of the spectator viewing experience.
Not only will the greens run fast and true, but there will be very little space for players to leave the ball around the hole, or else it will roll off any edges that it can find.
The fairway rough also has grown in well and thick, and will present a few different collars of length to play out of.
Notably, it will not make it easy to come out of that thick stuff and stick the ball on the green with a lot of spin.
Prepping for a good test of golf for the pros
Raleigh native and 2013 champion Chesson Hadley knows how challenging the course can be no matter how many times he’s played it.
Having last played in the event in 2017, formerly known as the Rex Hospital Open when it was played at the then TPC Wakefield Plantation, and losing in a playoff, Hadley looks forward to playing a ‘home game’ on a familiar, yet updated version of a course he knows well.
“Very happy to head back (to Raleigh), sleep in my own bed and play in a golf tournament,” Hadley noted during the pre-tournament presser earlier in the week.
“I don’t get to do that very often, and obviously have some amazingly fond memories competing at the Rex and the UNC Health Championship. So looking forward to it. A new venue this year for me, at least at Raleigh Country Club. I’ve been playing out there the last couple of weeks. It is in phenomenal shape, and you know, just looking forward to the opportunity.
“In my tenure on the Korn Ferry tour, there are not a lot of courses that challenge you the way that Raleigh Country Club does. I would say that this is Big Boy golf. You know, there’s long irons, long par threes, long par fives, you know, (to hit) in the greens; the approach shots, and the putting and short game around the greens is very challenging. This course will be a great test for myself, and for everybody.”
Improved spectator viewing throughout the course
For those coming to watch the tournament on site, it is one of the best events in the local area to take in to watch up-and-comers and experienced PGA TOUR players like Hadley test their skills in order to try and get up to and/or back up to the main tour.
Of particular note for this year, the cart paths have all been rebuilt and reconstructed, so it will make viewing the tournament even more enjoyable than it was the past few years.
The new paths provide each hole with a much more defined look, running along the fairways, progressing from the tee box to the green.
The most appealing aspect of watching the tournament live is that you can stand in one spot in many locations on the course and view multiple holes throughout.
There will be many oohs and ahhs coming from the galleries following players and those parking themselves in the tents surrounding the 17th and 18th greens.
“I’m really excited about this year,” Tournament Director Bryan Krusoe noted.
“The golf course looks fantastic for the players, it’s definitely a challenge. This tournament was, if not the toughest, one of the toughest tests on the Korn Ferry Tour last year with the winning score being eight under par. So it’s a chance for people to come out and watch the pros navigate a really difficult course.”
Mark your calendar
As a major professional sports event taking place in the area, you won’t find a better deal to watch the competition, be outside, and relax wherever and whatever way you want – walking or sitting.
Tickets are only $20 a day, and parking is free.
Concession stands will be catered by Empire Eats – all very reasonably priced, according to Krusoe.
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Thursday
Half-price tickets will be available.
Friday
A new collegiate theme will be featured, so anyone with a college ID will get in for free. Those wearing school and team colors will also have discounted food and beer to feast on that day.
Saturday
A $10,000 hole-in-one giveaway will be available. For those who get registered at the Delta Dental of North Carolina tent, if a pro makes a hole-in-one on the course, they’ll be eligible to win that cash prize.
Sunday
Service Member Appreciation Day – free admission will be provided for first responders and military members.
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