In a day full of emotions and unexpected twists, Sami Valimaki made history by becoming the first Finnish golfer to win a PGA Tour tournament. The victory was achieved at the RSM Classic, an event that closed the season, and where the tension remained until the last moment.
Valimaki: A Historic Triumph
Valimaki closed the tournament with a round of 4 under par (66 strokes), securing the victory by one stroke. His performance was notable, especially in the final holes, where strategy and precision were key. He highlighted the use of his putter from outside the green on the 16th hole and an 18-foot putt that sealed his triumph.
Valimaki’s victory not only grants him a historic title, but also a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and qualification for the first two elite events of 2026, thanks to his position at 51st in the FedEx Cup.
“It’s been a long road, of course. I feel like it’s been a really tough year, even when I played some decent golf, and then to keep pushing and find some good moments in the last tournaments, it feels incredible.”
Sami Valimaki
Drama in the FedEx Cup Rankings
The tournament was crucial in defining the players who would keep their PGA Tour card and secure their place in the most important events of the next season. The competition to enter the top 100 of the FedEx Cup ranking, which grants access to full PGA Tour cards, was intense.
Ricky Castillo, with an outstanding initial round of 28 strokes in the first nine holes and a total of 62, seemed to be securing his place in the top 100. However, Max McGreevy, with a birdie on the last hole, relegated him to 102nd place by a minimal margin of points.
Lee Hodges, for his part, had a birdie attempt that did not materialize, which prevented him from entering the top 100, finishing in 101st place in the FedEx Cup.
McGreevy, by securing his card, climbed to 60th place and also qualified for the elite events. This result affected Jordan Spieth, who did not participate in the tournament and will need invitations for the Pebble Beach and Riviera events.
Nico Echavarria, with a round of 65, managed to move up to the group of players between positions 51 and 60, securing his participation in the west coast events.
Sam Stevens achieved a hole-in-one on the third hole and finished with a round of 63, tying for seventh place. Already qualified for major events, his goal was to stay in the top 50 of the world ranking to secure his place in the Masters.
Uncertainty persists for players like Johnny Keefer, who arrived at the tournament in 50th place and seeks to maintain his position.
