Page 36 - SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN OPEN PROGRAM 2017

News | 2016 CHAMPION ROD PAMPLING

doubt about who would take home the trophy after he sank a
32-foot putt on 18 to secure a win by two strokes. “To make
a putt like that on the last, as kids we do that to ourselves on
the putting green, trying to make a putt on the last to win the
tournament,” said Pampling in an interview after his win, “To
actually do it was a great thrill.”

Pampling is no stranger to hard work and younger
competition. Having spent some time on the Web.com
TOUR, Pampling knew he was up against some stiff
competition when coming to this year’s event in Las Vegas.
“It’s extremely hard out there,” Pampling said about the Web.
com TOUR. “It certainly gives you the confidence that you
can compete against the younger guys and come out her to
win this magnificent event is fantastic.”

Pampling certainly knows how to compete and his win
secured him invitations to the Tournament of Champions, the
2017 Masters, the PGA Championship, and The PLAYERS.
He also secured an exemption to play on the PGA TOUR for
the next two years, carrying him through his 50th birthday
in time to be eligible for the PGA TOUR Champions. “It’s a
great feeling,” said Pampling when asked about his future on
the Tour, “after this week I still think I have a couple of more
wins, so I’m looking forward to the next few years.” Pampling
credits his family, coaches, and friends’ support over the years
for keeping him in the game and driving him to victory. “The
family support, the friend support, coach Alex Murray. It’s
a team effort, it’s going to be awesome to catch up with them
and celebrate.”

Pampling will return this fall to defend his title at the 2017
Shriners Hospital for Children Open and show his supporters,
and the younger competitors of the PGA TOUR, that he’s not
done winning just yet! We will all be watching the champion
take on some of the greatest golfers in the world as this year’s
event promises to bring together the best of the best for an
amazing competition.

34 November 2- 5, 2017 | TPC SUMMERLIN | LAS VEGAS, NV