Witness the thrilling conclusion of the RSM Classic as Sami Valimaki claims his first PGA TOUR victory, becoming Finland’s inaugural champion. The final day was filled with dramatic moments as players fought to secure their PGA TOUR cards for 2026. Ricky Castillo’s remarkable 28 on the front nine and Max McGreevy’s clutch birdie putt on the 18th hole added to the excitement.
Valimaki’s consistent play, especially his crucial putts on the 16th and 18th holes, secured his win. McGreevy’s finish also impacted the standings, bumping Jordan Spieth from the Signature Events. Nico Echavarria and Sam Stevens’ performances were notable, with Stevens’ hole-in-one being a highlight.
This video captures the tension and triumph of the final day, where dreams were made and broken on the green.
Imagine the pressure of securing your first PGA Tour title while the fate of your career hangs in the balance. That’s exactly what Sammy Valamaki faced at the RSM Classic. But here’s where it gets controversial. While Valamaki’s victory was historic, making him Finland’s first PGA Tour champion, the real drama unfolded behind him as players fought tooth and nail to keep their cards for the 2026 season. And this is the part most people miss. The razor thin margins that can make or break a golfer’s future. On a windswept Sunday at St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, Valamaki closed with a 4 under 66, clinching a one-shot victory in the final event of the year. His steady performance highlighted by a clutch 18 ft par putt on the 16th stood in stark contrast to the chaos unfolding around him. For context, the top 100 in the FedEx Cup standings, down from 125 in previous years, secured full PGA Tour cards for 2026, a season that promises smaller fields and higher stakes. Valamaki, a two-time DP World Tour winner, who nearly claimed victory in Mexico just two weeks prior, now enjoys a 2-year exemption on the PGA Tour. Finishing at number 51 in the FedEx Cup standings also guarantees him a spot in the first two $20 million signature events of 2026. “It’s been a long road,” Valamaki reflected. “Even when I played decent golf, it felt like a tough year. To keep pushing and find my rhythm in the final tournaments feels amazing. But let’s dive into the heartstoppping moments that define this tournament.” Ricky Castillo, who shot a blistering 28 on the front nine and finished with a 62, thought he’d done enough to leap from number 135 into the top 100. Here’s the twist. Max McGrevy had other plans. With a jaw-dropping 30-foot birdie putt on the final hole, McGrevy secured a 63, bumping Castillo down to number 102 by fewer than 10 points. Talk about a gut punch. And it didn’t stop there. Lee Hajes needing a birdie on the 18th to crack the top 100 narrowly missed a 10-ft putt, leaving him at number 101 by a mere two points. Meanwhile, McGrevy’s heroics not only secured his own spot, but also displaced Jordan Spe from the number 60 position, meaning Spath will need sponsor exemptions for upcoming events. Is this system fair? Some argue it’s brutally efficient, while others call it unforgiving. What do you think? McGrevy, already safe with his card, admitted he played with freedom. “I never felt nervous,” he said. “I was playing to win and luckily my best golf came at the end of the year.” Nico Echavvaria with a 65 tied for fourth and secured a spot in the signature events, while Sam Stevens stole the show with a hole in one on the third hole, part of an 11-way tie for seventh. Stevens already qualified for the signature events has his eyes on staying in the world’s top 50 to earn a master’s invite. As the dust settles, Valamaki’s triumph is a testament to perseverance. But the tournament’s undercard, filled with near misses and lastminute heroics, raises questions about the pressure players face. Is the current system too harsh, or does it ensure only the best survive? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. This is one debate that’s far from
