Valimaki makes history: First PGA Tour title for Finland at RSM Classic!

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, held at the RSM Classic, culminated in a one-stroke victory, leaving memorable moments at Sea Island.

Valimaki: A Historic Triumph

Valimaki, who had already come close to victory on two occasions during the last seasons, demonstrated his skill on the field. His strategic game, including a putter from outside the green on the 16th hole and an 18-foot putt, secured him the triumph. Despite the changes in wind direction, Valimaki remained calm in the final holes.

The Fight for the PGA Tour Card

The competition to secure a spot among the top 100 in the FedEx Cup standings, which grants full PGA Tour cards for the 2026 season, was intense. Ricky Castillo, with an outstanding opening round of 28 strokes, seemed on track to secure his place. However, Max McGreevy, with a 30-foot birdie on the last hole, relegated him to 102nd place.

“It’s been a long road, of course. I feel like it’s been a really tough year, even when I played decent golf, and then to keep pushing and find some good moments in the last tournaments, it’s amazing!”

Sami Valimaki

Lee Hodges, for his part, was close to entering the top 100, but a missed birdie attempt left him in 101st place. The players who occupied the positions from 95 to 100 before the event maintained their positions. Valimaki, with two victories on the European Tour and a recent second place in Mexico, secured his place on the PGA Tour for two years and his participation in the first two signature events of 2026 by finishing 51st in the FedEx Cup.

McGreevy, already with his card secured, moved up to 60th place, which also guarantees his participation in the featured events. This achievement displaced Jordan Spieth, who will need invitations for the Pebble Beach and Riviera tournaments. McGreevy, freed from the pressure of securing his card, played with ease and confidence.

“I’ve never felt so nervous. I felt like I was playing to win. Fortunately, my best golf came out at the end of the year”.

Max McGreevy

Nico Echavarria, with a round of 65 strokes, tied for fourth place and secured a spot in the West Coast signature events. Sam Stevens, with a hole-in-one and a round of 63, joined the tie for seventh place, already qualified for the signature events and focused on staying in the top 50 of the world ranking to secure his place in the Masters. Uncertainty persists for Johnny Keefer, the Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year, who arrived at the event in 50th place. Both players are in seventh place and are expected to move up in the rankings, with tournaments pending in Australia and South Africa.