In a day filled with emotions and unexpected twists, Sami Valimaki made history by becoming the first Finnish golfer to win a PGA Tour tournament. The event, the RSM Classic, held in Sea Island, was the scene of a fierce competition where the hopes of many players fluctuated until the last moment. Valimaki, who had already shown his talent with two second places in previous seasons, sealed his victory with a final round of 4 under par (66 strokes), surpassing his competitors by a single stroke. His game was remarkable, including excellent use of the putter from off the green on the 16th hole and an 18-foot putt that secured his triumph. Despite the changes in wind direction, Valimaki remained calm and focused in the final holes.
Drama in the FedEx Cup Rankings
The competition at the RSM Classic was crucial in defining the top 100 players in the FedEx Cup standings, who will earn full PGA Tour cards for the 2026 season, which will feature smaller fields. Ricky Castillo, with an outstanding performance that included a 28 in the first nine holes and a final round of 62, seemed to be on his way to securing his place among the top 100, moving from 135th place. However, Max McGreevy, with a birdie on the last hole, finished with 63 strokes, which placed him in second place and relegated Castillo to 102nd place, by very few points. The tension remained high, with Lee Hodges coming very close to entering the top 100, after a birdie attempt that did not materialize.Upon concluding the RSM Classic, the players ranked between 95th and 100th maintained their initial positions.
Valimaki, with this victory, not only secured a place in the history of Finnish golf, but also obtained a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and qualification for the first two elite events of 2026, thanks to his position in 51st place in the FedEx Cup. The golfer expressed his satisfaction with the achievement, highlighting the difficulty of the year and the importance of maintaining perseverance.
