Valimaki Takes the Lead at the RSM Classic
Sami Valimaki from Finland, with an impressive streak of four consecutive birdies at the end of the first nine holes, achieved an outstanding round of 65 strokes, five under par. This secured him a two-stroke lead at the RSM Classic, the final event of the PGA Tour season. This tournament in Sea Island is crucial, as many players seek to secure their full card for the upcoming PGA Tour season. Furthermore, it represents an opportunity for those seeking their first title on the circuit. Valimaki is positioned with a total of 19 under par, 193 strokes, surpassing Michael Thorbjornsen and Patrick Rodgers, who share second place with 68 strokes each. Both players are Stanford graduates. Rodgers, who was the world number one in amateur golf before leaving Stanford in 2014, has participated in 311 PGA Tour tournaments, with four second places. One of them was a playoff defeat at Sea Island in 2018.In third position, three strokes behind the leader, is Zac Blair (64), who needs a victory to have a chance of entering the top 100 of the FedEx Cup. Also with 16 under par, 196 strokes, are Andrew Novak (70) and Johnny Keefer (67), Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year, who has already secured his card for 2026. Keefer now has a great opportunity to stay in the top 50 in the world and qualify for the Masters. Novak, who won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside Ben Griffin, has yet to secure an individual title on the PGA Tour. Valimaki started his brilliant performance with a 12-foot putt for birdie on the sixth hole. Then, he reached the green in two on the par 5 seventh, placed his wedge 18 inches away on the eighth, and got his approach within 3 feet on the ninth.In this game, you can’t control the results. I must strive to be the best version of myself and trust that that will give me the greatest opportunities.
Patrick Rodgers
Valimaki has two second places in his professional career. He was runner-up at the Mexico Open a year ago and tied for second place at the World Wide Technology Championship. Regarding the fight to secure a spot in the top 100 to obtain the PGA Tour card, Séamus Power of Ireland (65) and Lee Hodges (66) are tied for seventh place and have possibilities, depending on the performance of the players ahead of them. Andrew Putnam, currently in 119th place, had a round of 69 strokes, which caused him to fall back in the ranking, tying for 17th place.I haven’t had any applause this week, so I knew that when I heard the applause, it must be close.
Sami Valimaki
