RSM Classic 2025: Sami Valimaki Leads, But Sunday Shootout Looms! (PGA TOUR Highlights)

Finland’s Sami Valimaki holds the lead at The RSM Classic, but can he hold off the chasing pack on Sunday? With winds expected to shift, this final round promises a thrilling shootout! We break down the leaderboard, including Patrick Rodgers, Michael Thorbjornsen, and more, and discuss who has the best chance to claim the title. Will Valimaki make history as the first Finnish PGA TOUR winner? Find out in this RSM Classic recap!
Keywords: RSM Classic, PGA TOUR, Sami Valimaki, Patrick Rodgers, Michael Thorbjornsen, golf highlights, golf analysis, final round golf, golf leaderboard, golf betting, golf predictions

The RSM Classic, a battle for history and a tour card. In a thrilling development at the RSM Classic, Finland’s Sami Valimaki finds himself in a commanding position. But the winds of change could still bring Sunday stress. With a chance to make history as the first Finnish winner on the PGA Tour and secure a spot in the upcoming signature events, Valamaki’s lead is not yet a guarantee. The third round was a true test of skill as strong winds challenged the players. Overnight leader Andrew Novak fell victim to the conditions, dropping to a tie for fourth. Meanwhile, Valamaki’s impressive five under 65 put him firmly in the driver’s seat, but the competition is fierce. Patrick Rogers, a familiar face at Sea Island, sits just two strokes back. With a runner-up finish in 2019 and consistent top 20 results, he’s a contender. Michael Thorb Johnson, who finished T8 last year, is also in the mix. And don’t count out Zack Blair, who’s on a hot streak with back-to- back 64s. But here’s where it gets controversial. The forecast for Sunday predicts gentler conditions which could favor the Chasers. The breeze shift might just be the equalizer they need to mount a challenge. With a potential ramp up in scoring, the race for the title, a high finish, or even a tour card is far from over. The odds reflect the excitement. Valamaki leads at plus 160, but Thorb Johnson plus 450 and Rogers plus 700. are hot on his heels. Novak plus 1,400 and Kefir plus 1,400 are also in the hunt, while Siuku Kim plus 2,000 offers an intriguing lottery style pick. And this is the part most people miss, the human element. Can Valamaki handle the pressure of making history? Will Rogers finally break through after multiple close calls? Thorb Johnson’s young career has seen him finish second twice. Can he convert this time or will Novak bounce back from Saturday’s slip? For me, it’s all about the feel. I’m backing Thorb Johnson’s plus 450 outright. Despite being below his usual approach standards, he’s shown resilience and a knack for the big stage. I expect him to find his groove and make a run at it. As for Lee Hodges, he’s in a fight for his tour life. With his exemption ending, a top five finish on Sunday could secure his spot for another year. The pressure will be intense, but Hodges has shown he can deliver under the blowtorrch. I’m taking the over on his birdies or better round four odds. The RSM Classic promises an exciting conclusion. Will history be made or will a late charge steal the show? Only time will tell. What are your thoughts? Who do you think will emerge victorious and why?