Sami Valimaki becomes the first Finnish player to win on the PGA TOUR, securing his card with a clutch performance at The RSM Classic! Relive the drama as Valimaki holds on for a one-shot victory.
See how Max McGreevy’s incredible birdie putt and Ricky Castillo’s near miss impacted the FedExCup standings and PGA TOUR cards. Lee Hodges narrowly misses out on the top 100. Plus, Sam Stevens’ hole-in-one!
We break down the key moments and highlight the players who secured their spots for the 2026 season. Who locked up their cards and who’s on the bubble?
Sammy Velamaki’s perseverance paid off as he claimed the first PGA Tour title of his career on the final day of the RSM Classic. A nail-biting event that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. With a four under 66, Valamaki secured a one-shot victory, becoming Finland’s first ever PGA Tour champion. This triumph comes after two runner-up finishes in the previous two seasons, showcasing his determination and skill. The RSM Classic held at Sea Island witnessed a dramatic finale as players vied for crucial positions in the FedEx Cup standings. The top 100 players in the FedEx Cup rankings, a reduction from 125 in previous years secured full PGA Turkards for the 2026 season when field sizes will be reduced. Valamaki’s steady performance, including a crucial putt on the 16th and an 18 foot par putt, kept him in the lead despite the wind’s sudden change of direction. The real drama unfolded as Ricky Castillo and Max McGrevy battled for positions in the top 100. Castillo’s impressive 28 on the front nine and a 62 in the final round seemed promising, but McGreedy’s 30foot birdie putt on the 18th hole secured second place, pushing Castillo to number 102. This narrow margin of fewer than 10 points highlights the intense competition. Lee Hajes, who missed a 10-ft birdie attempt, finished at number 101 in the FedEx Cup standings, just two points behind the cutoff. The top 100 positions remained unchanged for players ranked 95 to 100 going into the final event. Valamaki, a two-time winner on the DP World Tour, secured a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and a spot in the top 51 of the FedEx Cup, guaranteeing him participation in the first two $20 million signature events of 2026. McGrevy, who had already secured his card, moved up to number 60, also qualifying for the signature events. His relaxed approach, knowing he didn’t need to play for his card, contributed to his success. The RSM Classic also saw Nicovaria tie for fourth place, moving into the number 51 to 60 slot for signature events on the West Coast. Sam Stevens, who made a hole in one on the third hole, finished in a tie for seventh place, already secured for all signature events. His focus remained on maintaining a top 50 ranking at year’s end to earn a spot in the Masters. The tournament’s close finish, with multiple players vying for positions, showcased the high level of competition and the importance of every shot in the final hours.
