Valimaki Takes the Lead at the RSM Classic
Finnish golfer Sami Valimaki shone at the RSM Classic, achieving four consecutive birdies to close out the first half of the course. His impressive performance secured him a two-stroke lead with a score of 5 under par, 65, heading into the final round of the PGA Tour season event. This tournament in Sea Island is crucial, as many players seek to secure their full card for next year’s PGA Tour. Furthermore, it presents an opportunity for several golfers to obtain their first PGA Tour title. Valimaki leads with a total of 19 under par, 193, closely followed by Michael Thorbjornsen and Patrick Rodgers, both with a 68. Rodgers and Thorbjornsen, Stanford graduates, represent two generations of outstanding golfers. Rodgers, former amateur world number one, and Thorbjornsen, who led the PGA Tour University ranking, are competing in this tournament with the aim of achieving a significant victory.The group that is three strokes away includes Zac Blair, who needs a victory to have a chance of entering the top 100 of the FedEx Cup. Andrew Novak and Johnny Keefer are also in the running with a total of 16 under par, 196. Keefer, the Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year, has already secured his card for 2026 and is now looking to position himself among the top 50 in the world to participate in the Masters. Valimaki’s great performance began on the 6th hole, followed by impressive shots on holes 7, 8, and 9. Valimaki has had two second-place finishes in his career, both in Mexico. He was runner-up at the Mexico Open last year and tied for second place at the World Technology Championship in Baja California. Séamus Power and Lee Hodges are tied for seventh place, with possibilities to improve their position. Andrew Putnam, in 119th place, had a less favorable performance, dropping ten positions in the ranking.In this game, unfortunately, you can’t control the results. I need to be the best version of myself, build a quality golf game, and trust that that will give me the greatest opportunities throughout the season.
Patrick Rodgers
