Doug Ghim is making a strong push to keep his PGA TOUR card with an incredible performance at The RSM Classic 2025. Ghim tied the course record with a stunning 10-under 60 at Sea Island’s Seaside Course, just missing out on a 59.
Ghim’s round included four straight birdies and a near-birdie on the 18th hole, showcasing his exceptional skills. With this performance, Ghim takes a big step towards securing his spot in the top 100 of the FedExCup and maintaining his full status for 2026.
Other notable players, like Davis Thompson, Rico Hoey, Andrew Putnam, and Andrew Novak, also had impressive rounds, but Ghim’s performance stood out as he fights to keep his TOUR card.
This video highlights Doug Ghim’s remarkable round, his thoughts on the day, and the significance of this event in his quest for PGA TOUR survival.
Imagine sinking a part that could change your entire career only to watch it narrowly miss. That’s exactly what happened to Dark Gim at Sea Island where he came within inches of a historic 59, settling in state for a stunning 60 that tied the course record at the RSM Classic. But here’s where it gets controversial. Was this a missed opportunity or a strategic step toward securing his PGA Tour card for 2026? Let’s dive in. On a remarkably calm and warm Thursday, games 10 under 60 on the seaside course wasn’t just a personal triumph. It was a lifeline. Sitting at number 125 in the FedEx Cup standings, game needs a strong finish to crack the top 100 and retain full status for next season where fields will be smaller and competition fiercer. His round included four consecutive birdies, two from 15 ft and a hearttoppping 20 foot part on the 18th that just slid by. I thought I made it halfway there, Gim reflected. Just pleased to have a chance. And this is the part most people miss. While Gim’s performance was headline worthy, he’s not alone in chasing low scores. Davis Thompson and Rico Hoey also fired 10 under 62s on the plantation course while Andrew Putnham and Andrew Novak matched Gim’s momentum with nine under 61s on Cside. Putnham starting at number 119 in the standings nearly broke the 60 barrier himself before closing with two pass. Novak returning after becoming a father and winning the Zurich Classic earlier this year scrambled for a bogey after a weward T-shot on number 10 for not playing since August. Pretty happy he admitted crediting his progress despite recent life changes. The conditions were unusually golfer friendly, no wind, warm weather, a stark contrast to the typical seaside challenge. Even Davy’s love tree, the 61-year-old tournament host, managed a 71, though the day’s standout was Hoi, who hit all 18 greens and drain a 45- ft eagle part on the par 514th. Here’s the bold question. With the top 100 cutoff replacing the previous 125, is the PGO’s new structure fair or does it unfairly pressure players like Gim and Putnham? Gim admits he’s not sure how high he needs to finish, but he’s focused on solid play rather than the numbers. Finishing third is almost as hard as winning, he said. I’m just focused on my game. Meanwhile, Johnny Kefir, fresh off securing his cut on the corn ferry tour, shot a 65 at seaside, eyeing a big weight to boost his master’s chances. Tukumi Konaya who slipped to number 99 in the FedEx car after a costly miss in Bermuda bogi his final two holes for a 68 leaving his status uncertain as the tournament unfolds one thing is clear every shot matters but is the pressure of the new cutoff pushing players to greatness or risking burnout let us know your thoughts in the comments is the PGA to’s new structure a step forward Or a step too far.
