Sami Valimaki Leads RSM Classic: Two-Shot Advantage and Shot at First PGA TOUR Title

PGA TOUR RSM Classic highlights Sami Valimaki golf tournament Sea Island leader board two-shot lead final round chances
Watch as Sami Valimaki of Finland charges with four straight birdies to take a commanding lead in the PGA TOUR season finale at Sea Island.
This video dives into Valimaki’s incredible 5-under 65, putting him at 19-under 193 and ahead of Stanford alumni Michael Thorbjornsen and Patrick Rodgers.
Explore the stories of players like Zac Blair aiming to crack the top 100 in the FedExCup, and Johnny Keefer’s bid for a Masters spot.
With pressure mounting for PGA TOUR card retention, see how the leaderboard shapes up for Sunday’s final round.
Key moments include Valimaki’s precise shots and quotes from players on controlling outcomes in golf.
Perfect for golf fans tracking the PGA TOUR season end and potential first-time winners.

Imagine standing on the brink of a dream. Years of dedication culminating in a single electrifying moment. That’s precisely where Sami Valamaki finds himself at the RSM Classic. He’s not just playing golf. He’s chasing his first PGA Tour title and his doing it with a fiery twoot lead. But here’s where it gets interesting. Written by the Associated Press, the story unfolds at Sea Island, Georgia, where the pressure is palpable. This isn’t just another tournament, it’s the season finale, a last chance saloon for many pros clinging to their PGA Tour cards for the following year. Suddenly, the narrative has shifted. The fight to retain status has morphed into a battle for a career-defining victory. And the one leading the charge is Sami Valamaki from Finland. Valimaraki’s remarkable five under 65 on Saturday, fueled by an explosive run of four consecutive birdies on the front nine propelled him to a commanding 19 under 193. Trailing him by two strokes are Michael Thorb Johnson and Patrick Rogers, both Stanford University alumni, albeit from different generations. Rogers, a former world number one amateur who left Stanford in 2014, has been a consistent presence on the PGA Tour, participating in 311 tournaments. His tasted near victory with four runner-up finishes, including a heartbreaking playoff loss at Sea Island in 2018 to Charles Howell 3. Thorb Johnson, on the other hand, is the more recent Stanford product, claiming the number one spot in the PGA Tour University ranking upon graduating in 2024. Roger’s perspective offers a glimpse into the mental fortitude required at this level. It’s just unfortunately in this game, you can’t control the outcomes, Rogers said. I really try hard to control the outcomes, but it doesn’t work. I need to be the best version of myself that I can be. Look to build a really quality golf game and trust that that’s going to give me the most opportunities throughout the season. This sentiment resonates with many golfers who understand that even with the best preparation, luck and circumstance often play a significant role. Zack Blair, three shots back with a stellar 64, faces a win or bust scenario if he wants any hope of cracking the top 100 in the FedEx Cup standings. And this is the part most people miss. The FedEx Cup ranking isn’t just about prestige. It’s about securing your place in future tournaments and accessing lucrative opportunities. Also lurking at 16 under 196 are Andrew Novak and Johnny Kefir. Novak, already a Zurich Classic of New Orleans champion, teamed with Ben Griffin, seeks his first individual PGA Tour title. Kefir, the Kornferryy Tour player of the year, has his card safely locked up for 2026. However, a strong finish here could catapult him into the top 50 in the world, granting him a coveted invitation to the masters, the dream for any golfer. Valamaki’s birdie blitz started with a precise approach to 12 ft on the par 36th. He then showcased his power on the par 57th, reaching the green in two precision wedge shots on the eighth and 9inth holes, landing within 18 in and 3 ft, respectively, sealed his impressive run. I haven’t had any claps this week, so I knew when I heard the claps it should be pretty close, Valamaki said, highlighting that immediate feedback from the crowd can be a good indicator of a wellexecuted shot. While this is Valamaraki’s first shot at a solo PGA Tour title, it’s not his first brush with victory on this tour. He boasts two runner-up finishes, both south of the border, including the Mexico Open a year ago and a tie for second in the worldwide technology championship with Griffin just two weeks ago. Does this experience give him an edge? Or will the pressure of leading in the final round prove too much? As for those battling for their PGA Tour cards, Sheamus Power of Ireland and Lee Hodges are tied for seventh, putting them in a favorable position depending on how others perform. Andrew Putnham, currently at number 119, needs a strong finish, but a 69 in relatively mild conditions saw him slip 10 spots to a tie for 17th. This highlights how quickly fortunes can change in golf, especially with so much on the line. But here’s a controversial point. Is the pressure to retain a tall card detrimental to performance, or does it serve as a powerful motivator? Some argue it fosters a cutthroat environment that stifles creativity, while others believe it pushes players to reach their full potential. What do you think? Does the intensity of the PGA Tour help or hurt these athletes?