Witness the thrilling conclusion of the RSM Classic as Sami Valimaki clinches his maiden PGA TOUR victory, becoming Finland’s first champion on the tour. The final day was filled with drama as players battled for crucial positions in the FedExCup standings and the coveted PGA TOUR cards for 2026.
Valimaki showcased his skills with a 4-under 66, including a crucial par putt on the 16th, to secure a one-shot victory. The win guarantees Valimaki a two-year exemption on the PGA TOUR and entry into the 2026 Signature Events.
The tournament also featured intense competition for the top 100 FedExCup spots, with players like Ricky Castillo, Max McGreevy, and Lee Hodges vying for their PGA TOUR cards. McGreevy’s birdie on the 18th secured his position and bumped Jordan Spieth out of the top 60.
This video captures the excitement of the final round, including key shots and interviews with the winners and those who just missed out on their PGA TOUR dreams.
Sammy Valamaki’s perseverance paid off as he secured his first PGA Tour victory, becoming Finland’s inaugural champion. The RSM Classic held at Sea Island witnessed a thrilling conclusion as Valamaki’s four under 66 secured a one-shot lead over his competitors. This triumph marked a significant milestone for Valamaki, who had previously finished as a runner up in two consecutive seasons. The final hour of the tournament was a roller coaster of emotions. Valamaki’s steady performance despite the win’s sudden shift was contrasted by the dramatic events unfolding around him. The top 100 players in the FedEx Cup standings, a reduced number from previous years, secured full PGA Tour cards for the 2026 season when field sizes will be smaller. The battle for these coveted cards intensified as the tournament progressed. Ricky Castillo with a remarkable 28 on the front nine and a final score of 62 seemed poised to secure his spot within the top 100. However, Max McGrevy’s 30-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole propelled him into second place, displacing Castillo to 102nd position by a margin of fewer than 10 points. Lee Hajes, on the other hand, narrowly missed a 10-ft birdie attempt which could have elevated him into the top 100. His final score of 66 left him at 101st in the FedEx Cup standings, just two points shy of the cutoff. The RSM Classics conclusion saw the top 100 players in the FedEx Cup standings remain unchanged from the previous event. Valamaki, a two-time winner on the DP World Tour, secured a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and a guaranteed spot in the first two 20 million signature events of 2026, finishing at 51st in the FedEx Cup. McGrevy, who had already secured his card, moved up to 60th, qualifying for the signature events. His performance also affected Jordan Speath, who having not played this fall, dropped from the 60th spot and will require sponsor exemptions for Pebble Beach and Riviera. The tournament also showcased the talents of Nikico Etchavaria, Sam Stevens, and Johnny Kefir. Etchavvaria tied for fourth with a score of 65, securing a spot in the number 51 to 60 range for signature events on the West Coast. Stevens, with a hole-in-one on the third hole, finished in a tie for seventh with an 11-way group, already assured of all signature events. Kefir, the corn ferry Tour player of the year, maintained his position within the top 50, aiming to secure a spot in the Masters at the end of the year.
