Sami Valimaki Leads RSM Classic with Impressive Round
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. – Sami Valimaki of Finland, had a spectacular run of four consecutive birdies at the end of the first round, culminating in a 65 (-5) that gave him a two-stroke lead at the RSM Classic. Saturday’s round positions him as the leader heading into the final day of the tournament, which marks the end of the PGA Tour season. This event in Sea Island is crucial, as it represents the last chance for many players to secure their PGA Tour card for next year. Furthermore, it presents itself as an opportunity for some to seek their first title on the circuit. Valimaki is at a total of 19 under par (193), surpassing by two strokes Michael Thorbjornsen and Patrick Rodgers, who recorded rounds of 68 each.Rodgers, former world No. 1 in the amateur ranking, and Thorbjornsen, who led the PGA Tour University ranking, represent two generations of Stanford golfers. In the group three strokes away is Zac Blair (64), who needs a victory to have a chance to finish in the top 100 in the FedEx Cup. Andrew Novak (70) and Johnny Keefer (67) also finished at 16 under par (196). Keefer, Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year, has already secured his card for 2026 and now has a great opportunity to stay in the top 50 in the world and thus qualify for the Masters. Valimaki started his great run with a 12-foot birdie putt on the 6th hole. Then, he reached the green in two strokes on the 7th hole, left his approach shot 18 inches away on the 8th hole, and got his shot within 3 feet on the 9th hole.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 during the season.
Patrick Rodgers
Valimaki has two second places in his professional career, both in tournaments played in Mexico. He was runner-up at the Mexico Open last year and tied for second place at the World Wide Technology Championship. Séamus Power of Ireland (65) and Lee Hodges (66) are tied for seventh place and have a viable opportunity to move up, depending on the performance of the players ahead of them. Andrew Putnam, ranked 119th, shot a round of 69, which, in light wind conditions, meant a setback. Putnam dropped ten positions in the ranking, tying for 17th place.I haven’t had any applause this week, so I knew that when I heard the applause, I should be pretty close.
Sami Valimaki
