RSM Classic 2025: Valimaki Leads, Thorbjornsen & Rodgers Chase

The RSM Classic 2025 is heating up as Finland’s Sami Valimaki takes control with a 5-under 65, putting him at 19-under and the clear favorite.
The winds at St. Simons Island provided a challenging test, affecting players’ performance and the leaderboard. Overnight leader Andrew Novak fell to a tie for fourth, while Valimaki surged ahead.
The final round promises excitement with Valimaki aiming to become the first Finnish PGA TOUR winner. Chasers include Patrick Rodgers, a Sea Island regular, and Michael Thorbjornsen, who’s had four top 5s this season.
Will Valimaki hold on for the win? Can Rodgers or Thorbjornsen claim their first PGA TOUR victory? Find out in this golf highlights video!

Get ready for a thrilling Sunday showdown at the RSM Classic where Finland’s Sammy Valamaki is on the brink of making history, but don’t count out the fierce competition just yet. With a trip to the 2026 signature events on the line, the stakes are higher than ever, and the drama is far from over. Valamaki currently leads the pack at 19 under, but as winds shift and nerves tighten, anything can happen on St. Simon’s Island. The third round proved to be a brutal test with swirling southwest winds demanding precision off the tea. Overnight leader Andrew Novak felt the brunt of it, slipping to a tie for fourth after a 70 left him at 16 under. And this is the part most people miss. Valamaki’s surge from plus 900 odds to the plus 160 favorite wasn’t just luck. It was a five under 65 that cemented his position at top the leaderboard. But the chase is far from over. Patrick Rogers, a familiar face at Sea Island with a runner-up finish in 2019 and solid performances in recent years, sits just two strokes back at 17 under. Michael Thorbjornson, who finished T8 here last year, is also within striking distance. Zack Blair, meanwhile, stormed into contention with back-to-back 64s on the seaside course, joining Novak and Johnny Kefir at 16 under. Here’s where it gets controversial. Can Valamaki hold off the pack and become Finland’s first ever PGA Tour winner? Or will Rogers finally break his runner-up curse after 4 seconds and 4/3 in his career? Thorbjornson with two runner-up finishes already is knocking on the door. But Novak could still rebound for his maiden tour victory. And let’s not forget Sei Wu Kim, a birdie machine at plus 2,000 odds. Could he pull off the upset? Sunday’s forecast promises calmer conditions, but the breezes late shift could mix things up. Expect scoring to soar, giving chasers one last chance to seize glory, secure a high finish, or even lock in a tour card. Here’s how the odds stack up for those within four strokes of the lead, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. Plus 160 Sammy Valamaki -19 first plus 450 Michael Thorbjornson -17 T2 + 700 Patrick Rogers -17 T2 + 1,400 Andrew Novak -6 T4 + 1,400 Johnny Kefir -6 T4 + 1,600 Zack Blair -16 T4 + 2 S Wu Kim -15 T7 plus 2,800 Max McGrevy -15 T7 + 3,000 Sheamus Power -15 T7 plus 3,000 Eric Cole -15 T7 + 4,000 Lee Hodgeges – 15 T7 + 5,500 John Pacus 15 T7. Now let’s talk bets. While Valamaki is the favorite, I’m eyeing Michael Thorbjornson at plus 450. Here’s the bold take. Thorbjornson has four top five finishes this season, and his strength off the tea paired with improved approach play could make him unstoppable. Yes, it’s a bit of a gut call, but his resilience this week, despite being below his usual standards, speaks volumes. Another player to watch, Lee Hajes. With his tour exemption expiring after Sunday, he’s within striking distance of the top 100 in points. A top five finish could secure his spot. And while the pressure is on, I’m betting on his birdie potential under the spotlight. Take the plus 260 for a top five finish and consider the over on his birdies or better round four odds. But here’s the real question. Who do you think will emerge victorious? Valamaki, Thorbjornson, or a dark horse like Kim? Let’s hear your take in the comments. This is one finale you won’t want to miss.