Doug Ghim Chasing Excellence at the RSM Classic
In a round marked by favorable weather and low scores, Doug Ghim was on the verge of achieving an impressive 59, but ultimately tied the Seaside course record at the RSM Classic with a 60, demonstrating a great performance in his attempt to secure his PGA Tour card. Davis Thompson and Rico Hoey also shone with a 62 each on the Plantation course, used for the first two rounds of the tournament. Andrew Putnam, for his part, was close to breaking the 60-stroke barrier, but closed with two pars to finish with a 61 on the Seaside course. Andrew Novak, who had not competed since the Tour Championship in August and recently became a father, also achieved a 61. The Seaside course, known for being more challenging due to the wind, offered ideal conditions for low scores thanks to the absence of wind and warm weather. Ghim chained four consecutive birdies and was close to achieving a birdie on the 18th hole, but his putt from 20 feet didn’t go in. “I did what I could,” Ghim said. “I’m glad to have a chance.” The event represents a crucial opportunity for Ghim, as only the top 100 of the FedEx Cup will retain their full status for 2026, with smaller fields. Ghim arrived at the tournament in 125th place, so he needed a good start. Although he is not sure of the exact position he needs to enter the top 100, he is focused on playing solid golf and seeking victory. Putnam was in 119th place, while the other three players with the best scores have already secured their position for next year. Novak had an outstanding year, winning the Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside Ben Griffin and managing to reach the Tour Championship for the first time, which allowed him to participate in the four majors. His only mistake was a tee shot on the 10th hole that ended up in the trees, resulting in a bogey.Hoey managed to sink on all 18 greens for the first time and got an eagle from 45 feet on the 14th hole of the Plantation. Davis Love III, the 61-year-old tournament host, signed a card of 71. The scoring average at Seaside was 67.8 (2.2 strokes under par), compared to 68.5 at Plantation (3.5 strokes under par). Johnny Keefer, who led the Korn Ferry Tour this year, is ranked 50th in the world ranking and is looking for a good performance to qualify for the Masters. Keefer achieved seven birdies in his last 10 holes, finishing with a 65 at Seaside. Takumi Kanaya from Japan, made bogey on his last two holes and finished with 68 strokes. In Bermuda, the previous week, he missed a short putt that cost him 16 positions in the FedEx Cup, leaving him in 99th place.“I am very happy, especially after not playing since August,” Novak commented. “I have been working hard and I see progress. Also, my wife had our baby two weeks ago, so I haven’t been able to practice much. It was nice to play on a court I know well, instead of the usual cold and windy conditions of the RSM.”
Andrew Novak
