Sami Valimaki Makes History with Thrilling Win at RSM Classic
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Finnish golfer Sami Valimaki ended the 2025 PGA Tour season on a high note by becoming the first player from Finland to win a tour event at the RSM Classic in St. Simons Island, Georgia. Valimaki's remarkable victory came after a thrilling final round at Sea Island Golf Club's Seaside Course. The solo leader after three rounds, Valimaki secured the win by birdying the par-5 15th hole, breaking a tie with Max McGreevy. McGreevy had posted a 7-under 63 earlier in the day to reach 22-under 260, but ultimately finished second. Valimaki's four-round score of 23-under 259 not only earned him a two-year exemption on the tour but also propelled him 23 spots to No. 51 in the FedEx Cup Fall points standings. This achievement secured his spot in the first two big-money signature events of 2026, which are reserved for players ranked 51-60. Max McGreevy's impressive Sunday performance, which included a 63, pushed him to second place and catapulted him to No. 60 in the standings. Meanwhile, Ricky Castillo's final-round 62 earned him third place at 21 under, although he was projected to finish the points race outside the top 100 and face a challenge to retain his full tour status for the next season. The victory also had a positive impact on other players. Colombia's Nico Echavarria, who tied for fourth with Lee Hodges and South Korean Si woo Kim, boosted his ranking from 62nd to 55th in points, securing his spot in the first two signature events of 2026.
