Valimaki Takes the Lead at the RSM Classic
Finnish golfer Sami Valimaki stood out at the RSM Classic with an impressive series of consecutive birdies, solidifying his position at the top of the leaderboard. With a spectacular finish in the first nine holes, Valimaki achieved four birdies in a row, culminating in a round of 65 strokes, five under par. This performance gave him a two-stroke lead over his competitors, preparing for the final round of the event that marks the end of the PGA Tour season. The tournament, held in Sea Island, Georgia, is crucial for many players seeking to secure their PGA Tour card for next season. For others, it represents the opportunity to obtain their first title on the circuit. Valimaki is at a total of 19 under par, with a considerable lead over Michael Thorbjornsen and Patrick Rodgers, who share second place with a score of 68.Competition is intense, with several players just three strokes off the lead, including Zac Blair, who needs a win to have a chance of entering the top 100 of the FedEx Cup. Other prominent competitors are Andrew Novak and Johnny Keefer, the latter, a Korn Ferry Tour player of the year, has secured his card for 2026 and is now looking to secure a place among the top 50 in the world to participate in the Masters. Valimaki started his birdie streak with a precise shot on the 6th hole, followed by impressive plays on holes 7, 8, and 9. Valimaki has had two second places in his career, both in Mexico. In the fight to secure a place in the top 100, Séamus Power and Lee Hodges are in a favorable position, depending on how the final rounds unfold. Andrew Putnam, currently in 119th place, had a round of 69, which caused him to fall back in the rankings.I really try to control the results, but it doesn’t work. I need to be the best version of myself, seek to build a high-quality golf game, and trust that that will give me the most opportunities throughout the season.
Patrick Rodgers
