Valimaki Leads the RSM Classic with a Standout Round
Sami Valimaki of Finland showcased his skill on the course by completing four consecutive birdies and closing the first half of the round with an impressive 65, giving him a two-stroke lead at the RSM Classic. This tournament, which marks the end of the PGA Tour season, becomes a crucial opportunity to secure the tour card for next year and, for some, the chance to obtain their first title. Valimaki finished with a total of 19 under par, 193 strokes, surpassing Michael Thorbjornsen and Patrick Rodgers, who shared second position with 68 strokes each. Rodgers, former world number one in the amateur field, has participated in 311 PGA Tour tournaments, although he is still looking for his first victory, with four runner-up finishes to his name.Zac Blair (64) is three strokes off the lead, seeking a victory that will secure him a place in the top 100 in the FedEx Cup. Andrew Novak (70) and Johnny Keefer (67) are also still in the running, the latter, a Korn Ferry Tour player, has already secured his card for 2026 and is now seeking a place in the top 50 in the world to participate in the Masters. Valimaki started his impressive streak with a birdie on the sixth hole. He continued with a birdie on the seventh and demonstrated his precision on the following holes.In this sport, unfortunately, you can’t control the results. I need to be the best version of myself, strive to develop a quality golf game, and trust that that will give me the greatest opportunities throughout the season.
Patrick Rodgers
Valimaki has two runner-up finishes in his history. Séamus Power (65) and Lee Hodges (66) are in seventh position, with possibilities to advance. Andrew Putnam, in 119th place, had a round of 69.I haven’t heard applause this week, so I knew that when I heard it, I must be close.
Sami Valimaki
