Sami Valimaki holds a two-shot lead at the RSM Classic heading into the final round, the 27-year-old Finn chasing his first PGA Tour victory. Valimaki closed out his front nine with four straight birdies and carded a 5-under 65 on Saturday to move to 19 under, two clear of Michael Thorbjornsen and Patrick Rodgers at 17 under.
Valimaki arrives in contention with two recent runner-up finishes on his résumé: the Mexico Open a year ago and a tie for second behind Ben Griffin at the World Wide Technology Championship two weeks ago in Baja, California.
Thorbjornsen and Rodgers each posted 68 on Saturday and remain in the hunt for their maiden PGA Tour wins. Thorbjornsen finished college as the No. 1 player in the 2024 PGA Tour University rankings, while Rodgers brings experience from 311 PGA Tour starts and four career runner-up finishes. “It’s just unfortunately in this game you can’t control the outcomes,” Rodgers said. “I really try hard to control the outcomes… I need to be the best version of myself, build a quality game and trust that will give me the most opportunities.”
Three shots back at 16 under are Zac Blair, Johnny Keefer and Andrew Novak. Blair needs a victory to have any realistic chance of finishing inside the FedEx Cup top 100. Keefer, the Korn Ferry Tour player of the year who has already secured his PGA Tour card for 2026, could move into the world top 50 with a strong final day and thereby earn an invite to next year’s Masters. Novak, who teamed with Ben Griffin to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, is still seeking his first individual PGA Tour title.
Much of the drama at Sea Island centers on season-long ramifications: jockeying for spots inside the world top 100 and the final opportunities to retain a full PGA Tour card for next season. Seamus Power and Lee Hodges sit tied for seventh and have chances depending on how those ahead fare. Andrew Putnam, who began the week 119th in the standings, dropped 10 places on Saturday to 17th and now faces a tougher climb.
The final round will decide who lifts the RSM Classic trophy and who secures important status and ranking positions heading into next season. Live coverage continues Sunday from 6pm on Sky Sports+.