The RSM Classic delivered an intense battle for PGA TOUR cards, with Ricky Castillo and Lee Hodges making dramatic final-round charges. Castillo, a rookie, needed a strong finish to secure his card, while Hodges aimed to retain his status.
Castillo, starting from No. 135, fired a 62 to finish third, but it wasn’t enough to crack the top 100. He reflects on his growth and learning from the experience. Hodges, at No. 122, narrowly missed a birdie putt on the 72nd hole, falling just short of the bubble.
This video captures the emotions and highlights of their final rounds, showcasing the pressure and excitement of the FedExCup Fall finale.
The pressure was on, the stakes were high, and the dreams of securing a PGA Tour card hung in the balance at the RSM Classic. This final event of the FedEx Cup fall season was a nailbiter, especially for those on the cusp of earning full status for the upcoming year. While Sammy Valamaraki celebrated a historic win, becoming Finland’s first PGA Tour champion, the real drama unfolded around the top 100 bubble, where careers were made or broken with every swing. Two names, Ricky Castillo and Lee Hodges, found themselves in the spotlight, battling for their PGA Tour futures. Castillo, a rising star from the University of Florida and a rookie on the PGA Tour, entered the week needing a strong performance to keep his card. Andrew Putnham, a past tour winner, also aimed to make a comeback. Both players showed early promise, but only one could secure their spot. Castillo starting the final round outside the top 100 birded five of his first seven holes displaying incredible focus. He then faced a crucial moment on the 12th hole missing a short par putt. Honestly, 6 months ago, if I miss that, I probably end up 16 or 17 under. I’ve just grown so much mentally and emotionally that I was able to totally forget about it and focus on the next shot and end up playing two under coming in. I’m just proud of myself for that,” Castillo revealed. He recovered with back-to-back birdies, finishing with a 62 and a tie for second place. Initially projected to be inside the top 100, Castillo’s hopes were dashed when Max McGrevy’s late birdie bumped him down to solo third. This meant Castillo would have conditional status for the 2026 season and a chance to earn his card at the corn ferry to Q school. But here’s where it gets controversial. Castillo’s performance was impressive, but the pressure of the moment was evident. He admitted to learning from top players like Scotty Sheffller, emphasizing the importance of mental fortitude. Lee Hodges, another player fighting for his tour card, experienced a heartbreaking end to his tournament. Needing a birdie on the final hole to break into the top 100, he missed a crucial putt by inches, finishing in a tie for fourth place. I made so many putts out there today of distance, Hodges said after his round to miss one on number 18 and say it’s that’s fault. That’s unfair to my putter. Hodges’s season had been marked by injury and missed cuts, making his comeback even more poignant. Doug Gim also fell short despite a strong performance. And this is the part most people miss. The impact of these results extended beyond individual players. Takumi Kaya who was not already exempt secured his tour card by finishing at number 99 in the FedEx Cup standings. Bo Hustler and Matt Cuchar established players also missed the mark. This tournament highlighted the fine line between success and disappointment in professional golf. The emotions, the pressure, and the crucial moments all contributed to the drama. What do you think about the impact of pressure in golf? Do you think the mental game is more important than the physical skill? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
