RSM Classic: Players Face Pressure in Final FedExCup Fall Event

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — The RSM Classic is heating up as players aim to secure their PGA Tour status for 2026. With only one round left in the FedExCup Fall, Finland’s Sami Valimaki leads the tournament at 19-under par, with several players closely trailing.

One notable player is Lee Hodges, who sits at 15-under and desperately needs a strong finish to maintain his TOUR card. He is currently ranked No. 122 in the FedExCup standings and requires at least a three-way tie for fourth place to secure his future on the PGA Tour. “When you’re shooting as high as you feel like you can shoot every day, you lose a bit of confidence,” Hodges said after Round 3.

Zac Blair, ranked No. 154, is also feeling the pressure while standing at 16-under after two rounds of 64. He has experienced close calls in past seasons, finishing 126th in both 2017 and 2024 FedExCup standings. “Yeah, it sucks,” Blair expressed about his previous near misses.

Patrick Rodgers, a Stanford alum, is tied for the second-most top-10 finishes without a win on the TOUR. Currently sitting at 17-under after a solid third round, he aims to clinch his first victory at Sea Island. “I’m trying to bring the best version of myself to the golf course,” he shared.

Doug Ghim, who entered the tournament at No. 125, finds himself fighting to secure his CARD as well. “I know that I’m tough enough,” Ghim remarked, aware of the stakes.

John Pak struggles in his first year on the TOUR, currently sitting at No. 168 in the standings and needing a win to secure his status. However, after tying for the low round of the day with a 64 on Saturday, he remains hopeful. “I’ve got a nothing-to-lose mentality,” Pak stated.

This final event of the FedExCup Fall season will determine which players remain on the PGA Tour. The stakes are high with only 100 fully exempt status spots available for next year, and many players are ready to make their mark this weekend.