The Triangle’s premier professional golf tournament supports N.C. Children’s and more.
RALEIGH, N.C. – The 2024 UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH, the Triangle’s premier professional golf tournament, wrapped up Sunday evening with a trophy ceremony for this year’s winner, Kaito Onishi.
Onishi, 25, claimed his first Korn Ferry Tour title, beating Max McGreevy by one shot. Raleigh native Carter Jenkins finished tied for fourth.
“Congratulations to Kaito on his exciting win, and thanks to all of the players, caddies, volunteers, staff and sponsors who made the tournament such a huge success,” said Dr. Wesley Burks, CEO of UNC Health. “We are proud to serve as the title sponsor for such an important event that promotes health and wellness for our community.”
This year’s tournament featured 156 pro golfers. The UNC Health Championship is an important stop on the Korn Ferry Tour, where top professional golfers compete for a chance to play on the PGA Tour next season.
More than 700 volunteers helped make this year’s tournament a success. Thousands of fans came out to watch the action and enjoy the family friendly atmosphere.
The tournament began with a Pro-Am on Wednesday that included legendary UNC basketball coach Roy Williams, who served as this year’s UNC Health Championship honorary chairman. On Sunday, an “Honorary Tee Time” was held to recognize and remember Grayson Murray, a Raleigh Pro golfer who died last month. Players, staff and volunteers also wore green ribbons all week for Mental Health Awareness Month in Murray’s honor.
“Grayson’s passing was a big loss for the golf and Raleigh communities,” said UNC Health Championship tournament director Brian Krusoe. “Our goal was to hold a successful tournament while remembering him and we exceeded expectations again this year.”
Proceeds from this year’s tournament will go toward the development of the new North Carolina Children’s. This new enterprise will include the only freestanding hospital between Washington, DC, and Atlanta dedicated to caring solely for children. Proceeds also will support local community partners, including First Tee Triangle, Poe Center for Health Education, Southeast Raleigh Promise, Wake County Boys and Girls Club and Alliance Medical Ministry. These funds will make a difference in the lives of patients and the community by providing grants for community projects and support services.
The UNC Health Championship’s presenting sponsor is Apex-based STITCH Golf, a premium brand that makes golf bags, luggage, head covers, accessories and apparel. STITCH’s partnership with UNC Health helps elevate the event and a three-year agreement demonstrates their commitment to our community.
The UNC Health Championship will return to Raleigh Country Club next year. Mark your calendars: May 29 to June 1, 2025.
For more information on the UNC Health Championship, including details on how to volunteer and reserve tickets, visit unchealthchampionship.com.
ABOUT THE UNC HEALTH CHAMPIONSHIP
Professional golfers from around the world travel to renowned Raleigh Country Club to participate in the Korn Ferry Tour’s UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH. The tournament’s charitable efforts, coupled with its family and fan-friendly environment, attract thousands of golf fans each spring. During the past three decades, charity golf has raised more than $10 million for patients, programs and services at UNC Health. For more information, including details on how to volunteer and reserve tickets, visit unchealthchampionship.com/.
ABOUT THE KORN FERRY TOUR
Founded (1990), owned and operated by the PGA TOUR, the Korn Ferry Tour identifies and develops golf’s next stars, preparing them to compete and win on the game’s biggest stage. The Korn Ferry Tour, which has served as a path to the PGA TOUR since its inception, will award 30 PGA TOUR cards based off its points list in 2023, with the No. 1 player earning exemptions into the following year’s PLAYERS Championship and U.S. Open. With more than 600 PGA TOUR titles, 28 major championships and six FedExCup champions, Korn Ferry Tour alumni make up 88 percent of the PGA TOUR’s current membership. To learn more about the PGA TOUR, the Korn Ferry Tour and to follow the season-long quest for PGA TOUR cards, visit PGATOUR.COM or follow the Korn Ferry Tour on social media. Select Korn Ferry Tour events are televised annually on GOLF Channel in the United States, with tournament coverage available internationally in more than 170 countries and territories via 22 media partners.