RSM Classic 2025 Tees Off: A Final Showdown for PGA Tour Hopefuls

The Sea Island Seaside and Plantation Courses in St. Simons Island, Georgia, set the stage on November 20 for the 2025 RSM Classic—PGA Tour’s season finale, where history, heartbreak, and hope walk hand in hand across fairways and greens. This isn’t just another tournament. For 156 golfers, it’s a crossroads: the last chance to secure their place on next year’s Tour, or to face an uncertain future.

Early Leaders and Near-Records: Ghim’s Birdie Barrage, Putnam’s 61

The opening round unfolded with drama worthy of the stakes. Doug Ghim, chasing every shot with visible intensity, carded a remarkable 10-under 60 at the Seaside Course, tying for the lead. His run included five straight birdies, a feat that electrified the crowd and rattled the leaderboard. The pressure was palpable on the 18th green, where a missed putt left Ghim in a three-way tie instead of sole possession of the lead.

Andrew Putnam, meanwhile, delivered a round that could define his career. Entering the week outside the top 100 in the FedExCup standings, Putnam needed something special to keep his Tour card—and he delivered with a scorching 61, just one shot shy of the course record. He opened with a 6-under 29, stringing together birdies in bunches and at one point threatening to break 60. Yet, a narrowly missed 30-foot putt on 17 kept him from matching that elusive mark. Still, his score vaulted him into early contention and kept his PGA dreams alive.

Leaderboard Battles: Thompson, Hoey, and the Plantation Charge

The story of the day wasn’t confined to the Seaside Course. Davis Thompson and Rico Hoey stormed the Plantation Course, each posting 10-under 62s to share the top spot alongside Ghim. Their aggressive play and precision approaches made clear that the fight for the title—and for crucial Tour status—was going to be fierce.

Birdies were plentiful, as the tournament’s highlights reel shows: Daniel Berger’s 194-yard tee shot to 12 feet for a birdie on 17, Harris English’s string of birdies on 15 and 16, and Harry Higgs’ eagle from 81 yards on 16. Teenager Mason Howell, meanwhile, caught attention not just for his score but for the poise with which he broke down his swing, hinting at a future star in the making.

The Stakes: FedExCup Fall Finale and Tour Status at Risk

This year’s RSM Classic isn’t just a test of skill—it’s a pressure cooker, with the 2026 Tour status riding on every stroke. The event features a $7 million purse and a 7,005-yard, par-70 course that demands both power and finesse. For players like Putnam, who started the week at No. 119 in the FedExCup standings, the math is unforgiving: only a solo-sixth or better finish offers a realistic shot at making the top 100 and securing a full Tour card for next season.

For others, including veterans and rising stars, the RSM Classic is a platform to make a statement—either to cement their place in the game’s elite or to prove they belong. The tournament’s “Cut Line” broadcast, airing live on Friday, will dissect the unfolding drama, offering instant analysis and player reactions as the cutline shifts and careers hang in the balance.

Featured Groups and Friday’s Coverage: Who to Watch

Friday’s second round promises even more excitement, with featured groups teeing off early. Fans can follow Michael Brennan, Andrew Novak, Brian Harman, Steven Fisk, Harris English, Daniel Berger, William Mouw, J.T. Poston, Tom Hoge, Adam Schenk, Davis Thompson, and Mackenzie Hughes—each bringing their own storyline and ambitions.

Live coverage will span GOLF Channel and ESPN+, with the “Cut Line” show offering in-depth studio analysis and real-time drama at 2:45 p.m. ET. For those tracking the leaderboard, every birdie and bogey could spell the difference between Tour security and a season of uncertainty.

Beyond the Scorecard: Pressure, Poise, and the Human Element

Beyond the numbers and highlights, the RSM Classic’s opening day revealed the very human side of professional golf. The tension on Doug Ghim’s face after his missed putt, Andrew Putnam’s relief after a near-record round, and the quiet determination among the field—all underscored what’s at stake. Some players, like Putnam, are fighting for their livelihoods, seeking to avoid the prospect of conditional status and the grind of the Korn Ferry Tour. Others, like Howell, are simply chasing the dream, hoping for their breakout moment.

The drama was not just on the greens: volunteers worked tirelessly to update the leaderboard, caddies and coaches offered advice and support, and fans lined the fairways, witnessing the unfolding story one shot at a time.

What Comes Next: Cutline Tension and Weekend Drama

As day two approaches, the cutline looms large. Friday’s play will determine who moves on and who packs up. For the leaders, it’s about consolidating their position and keeping nerves in check. For those on the bubble, every shot could mean a future on the Tour—or a year spent fighting for redemption.

In golf, as in life, the margins are razor thin. The RSM Classic’s first day has set the stage for a weekend of drama, emotion, and high-stakes competition—where every putt, every drive, and every decision carries weight.

The opening round of the RSM Classic 2025 was a masterclass in pressure golf, delivering not only highlight-reel shots but also emotional moments that remind us why the season finale matters. With co-leaders tied after electrifying rounds and careers hanging by a thread, the tournament’s next chapter promises even greater drama. For fans and players alike, Sea Island has become more than a venue—it’s the proving ground where dreams are realized or deferred, and the true spirit of competition shines through.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the cut line for the RSM Classic?

The cut line is projected after Friday’s second round. It will trim the field to the top 65 players and ties, sending many golfers home early.

Who is leading the RSM Classic after round one?

Doug Ghim, Davis Thompson, and Rico Hoey share the lead. They each shot 10-under par on their respective courses in a thrilling opening round.

What does the RSM Classic winner receive?

The champion earns 500 FedExCup points and a significant share of the $7 million purse. More importantly, they secure a two-year PGA Tour exemption.

How can I watch the RSM Classic on TV?

Coverage is split between GOLF Channel and ESPN+. The weekend rounds will also be broadcast on NBC for viewers in the United States.

Why is the RSM Classic so important for some players?

It’s the final event of the FedExCup Fall. Players outside the top 125 in standings must perform well to earn their PGA Tour cards for the next season.

What courses are used for the RSM Classic?

The tournament uses both the Seaside Course and the Plantation Course at Sea Island Resort. All players compete on each course once before the cut.

Trusted Sources

PGA TOUR, Associated Press, Reuters, Golf Digest