Sami Valimaki secured his first PGA Tour title at the RSM Classic on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Sea Island, georgia, finishing with a one-stroke victory over Max McGreevy. The 25-year-old Finn completed the tournament at 19-under 269, carding a final-round 64.
Valimaki’s win is notably important as players vie for positioning in signature events and qualification for the Masters tournament. The RSM Classic’s results heavily impacted the standings, with several golfers making moves toward securing coveted spots in upcoming tournaments. The victory also grants Valimaki a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.
Nico Echavarria finished in a tie for fourth place after shooting a 65, improving his position within the No. 51-60 range for signature events on the West Coast.Sam Stevens recorded a hole-in-one on the third hole with a nine-iron and finished with a 63, tying for seventh alongside several other players. Stevens is focused on maintaining a top-50 world ranking to qualify for the Masters.
Johnny Keefer, the korn Ferry tour player of the year, also finished in the seven-way tie for seventh, and, along with Stevens, is positioned to climb in the rankings with remaining tournaments in Australia and South Africa. McGreevy’s second-place finish also boosted his standing.
