Witness the intense final-round action at The RSM Classic as Ricky Castillo and Lee Hodges fought to secure their PGA TOUR cards for 2026. Despite impressive charges, both players fell just short of the top-100 bubble. Watch Castillo’s emotional journey, including his 32-foot birdie putt on No. 16, and Hodges’ heartbreaking near-miss on the 72nd hole. Learn about their seasons, challenges, and future paths, including Castillo’s confidence heading into Q-School. This video dives into the highs and lows of professional golf, showcasing the mental toughness and skill required to compete at the highest level.
Key Moments:
– Ricky Castillo’s front-nine charge and emotional resilience
– Lee Hodges’ clutch putts and final-hole heartbreak
– Max McGreevy’s crucial putt that impacted Castillo’s standing
– Insights into Castillo’s growth and Hodges’ comeback from injury
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The final round of the RSM Classic was a roller coaster of emotions as golfers battled for their PGA Tour futures. But here’s the heartbreaking part. Despite Valiant efforts, Ricky Costillo and Lee Hodgers fell just short of securing their PGA Tour cards, leaving fans and players alike wondering what could have been. And this is the part most people miss, the razor thin margin between triumph and disappointment in professional golf. Written by Stephanie Royer, this gripping narrative captures the highstakes drama of the FedEx Cup false ultimate event. As Finland’s Sammy Valimoki clinched his first PGA Tour victory, the real tension lay in the top 100 bubble where everybody and bogey on Sea Island seaside course shifted the fate of players vying for full status in 2026. But here’s where it gets controversial. Was it skill, luck, or mental fortitude that ultimately decided who made the cut? Two players outside the bubble stole the spotlight early. Ricky Costillo, a PGA Tour rookie and University of Florida standout, and Andrew Putnham, a 2018 tour winner. Both stormed out of the gates, birding five of their first seven holes to search into contention. Castillo starting the week at number 135 needed a near miraculous T2 finish to secure his cut with his brother Derek heading he blazed through the front nine with a 28 while Patnham faded on the back n his double bogey on number 14 sealing his fate costillio’s journey was a study in resilience after missing a three-foot power part on the 12th he admitted honestly 6 months ago if I missed that I probably end up 16 or 17 under. But here’s the bold truth. His mental growth allowed him to bounce back, cutting backto back birdies on numbers 15 to 16, including a clutch 32 ft putt. Finishing at 21 under, he momentarily set at number 95, only to be bumped out of the top 100 by Max McGrevy’s dramatic 30ft birdie on the final hole. Is it fair that one part can change everything? Costillio’s conditional status for 2026 and his upcoming Q school opportunity highlight the unforgiving nature of the tour. I feel like everything’s been really close for a long time, he reflected, citing eight cuts missed by a single shot. His time playing alongside Scotty Sheffller offered invaluable lessons in mindset, a reminder that even the best in the world rely on mental toughness. Lee Hodgers meanwhile faced his own heartbreak. Entering at number 122 and needing a big week to retain full status, he delivered a stellar performance cutting 360 sixs. But here’s the gwrenching moment on the 72nd hole with a projected number 102 ranking. His 10-ft birdie putt leap out by inches, leaving him just outside the top 100. to miss one and say it’s dad’s fault. That’s unfair to my putter, Hodes said, his frustration palpable. Hod’s season had been marred by injury. A crack rib in February sidelineed him for months, but his return to form was undeniable. The question remains, could he have done more or was fate simply unkind? Other notables like Dark Gim, Bo Hustler, and Matt Cooer also fell short, their seasons ending on bittersweet notes. Japan’s Tukumi Konaya meanwhile secured the final tour cut at number 99 despite missing the cut at the RSM Classic. Is the system fair or does it favor the lucky over the consistent? As the dust settles, Castillo and Hodger’s stories serve as a reminder of golf’s cruel unpredictability. But here’s the thoughtprovoking question. In a sport where inches and moments decide careers, how much control do players truly have? Share your thoughts in the comments. Do you think the system needs fixing or is this just the nature of the game?
