Relive the dramatic final round of The RSM Classic where Ricky Castillo and Lee Hodges came agonizingly close to securing their PGA TOUR cards for 2026.
Watch Castillo’s incredible 62, including a 32-foot birdie putt on No. 16, and Lee Hodges’ near-miss on the 72nd hole. Despite their strong performances, both fell just short of the FedExCup top 100, highlighting the intensity of PGA TOUR card battles.
From Sami Valimaki’s historic first PGA TOUR victory to the emotional highs and lows of Castillo, Hodges, and other contenders like Max McGreevy and Doug Ghim, this video covers all the excitement of Sea Island’s Seaside Course.
Keywords: PGA TOUR, Ricky Castillo, Lee Hodges, The RSM Classic, FedExCup, PGA TOUR card, Max McGreevy, Doug Ghim, golf highlights, golf drama, 2026 PGA TOUR, Korn Ferry Tour, final round
The RSM Classic delivers drama and heartbreak in the quest for PGA Tour cards. The stage was set for an epic conclusion to the FedEx Cup fall season with the final round of the RSM Classic deciding the fate of several players tour card dreams. As Sammy Valamaki celebrated his historic win, becoming Finland’s first PGA Tour champion, the real battle raged on the leaderboard for the coveted top 100 spots. Enter Ricky Castillo, a rising star and PGA Tour rookie, and Andrew Putnham, a former tour winner. Both on the outside looking in, they ignited the course with a blistering start, birdie five of their first seven holes, sending a clear message to the bubble contenders. Castillo, starting at number 135, needed a heroic effort, while Putnham aimed to reclaim his former glory. Castillo, with his brother’s support as Caddy, surged ahead, turning in 28 on the front nine. Putnham however couldn’t sustain the pace faltering on the back nine. Castillo within striking distance of the lead faced a pivotal moment on the par 312th where a missed three-foot par put halted his momentum. But here’s where his mental fortitude shown. He bounced back with a remarkable display of resilience playing two under coming in. But the plot thickened as Castillo’s fate hung in the balance. Needing a strong finish, he birdied numbers 15 and 16, the latter with a clutch 32- ft putt to tie for second. Yet, it wasn’t meant to be. Max McGrevy, in a dramatic twist, sank a crucial putt on the 18th, pushing Castillo to third and out of the FedEx Cup top 100. Castillo, now with conditional status, remains optimistic about Q School and his growth as a player. He reflects on his near misses and the lessons learned from the world’s best, Scotty Sheffller. Meanwhile, Lee Hajes, starting at number 122, faced his own heart-wrenching moment. Needing a strong finish to secure his status, Hajes delivered a valiant effort only to fall agonizingly short. A missed birdie putt on the 72nd hole by mere inches, dashed his hopes, leaving him at number 101. Hodgeges, who battled back from injury, expressed his disappointment, but remained positive about his future. Doug Gim, another player fighting for his card, also fell short, finishing at number 113. In a cruel twist, Bo Hustler and Matt Cooer, veterans of the tour, missed the top 100 bubble, while Tkumi Kanaya, who missed the cut, secured the final spot at number 99. And this is the part that leaves fans divided. Was it a fair outcome for players who missed the cut to still earn their cards? Should there be a rule change to ensure those who complete all rounds have a better chance? The debate is sure to spark passionate opinions. What’s your take on this controversial aspect of the FedEx Cup system?
