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A stunning day of low scoring at the RSM Classic saw doug Ghim, Davis Thompson, and Rico Hoey surge to the top of the leaderboard on Thursday, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend at Sea Island golf Club. The trio carded 10-under 60 and 62 respectively, capitalizing on unusually calm conditions to challenge the course records.
The RSM Classic, the final event of the PGA Tour’s 2025 regular season, carries notable weight as players battle to secure their tour cards for 2026. With the fedex Cup qualifying criteria tightened – only the top 100 maintaining full status, down from 125 – the pressure is palpable.
Ghim’s Near Miss and crucial Momentum
Doug Ghim came agonizingly close to etching his name into the history books with a 59, narrowly missing a putt on the 18th hole of the Seaside course. Despite settling for a 10-under 60 – a share of the course record – Ghim expressed satisfaction with his performance.”I thought I made it halfway there and ultimately that’s all I really can do,” he said, acknowledging the fine margins at the professional level.
Entering the tournament at no. 125 in the FedEx Cup standings, Ghim knows a strong finish is critical. While hesitant to focus on specific projections, he estimates a top-3 finish may be necessary to guarantee his playing privileges for next year. “Finishing third is almost just as hard as winning,” he noted, emphasizing his commitment to solid, consistent play.
Thompson and Hoey Capitalize on Plantation Course
Davis Thompson, the son of tournament director Todd thompson, matched Ghim’s impressive score with a 10-under 62 on the Plantation course. Rico Hoey also posted a 62 on the Plantation course, marking a remarkable start to the tournament for both players.Hoey’s round was highlighted by a spectacular performance, hitting all 18 greens in regulation and sinking a 45-foot eagle putt on the par-5 14th.
Novak and Putnam in Contention, Kanaya Struggles
Andrew Putnam and Andrew Novak are close behind, both carding 9-under 61s. Novak, playing his first tournament as the Tour Championship in late August and his first as a new father, displayed impressive form despite limited recent practise. “For not playing as August, pretty happy,” he stated, attributing his success to hard work and favorable conditions. Novak’s only blemish came on the 10th hole, where a wayward tee shot lead to a bogey.
Meanwhile, Takumi Kanaya of Japan faced a more challenging day, finishing with a 68 after bogeying his last two holes. Kanaya’s recent struggles, including a costly missed putt in Bermuda last week, have left him at No. 99 in the FedEx Cup standings.
Ideal Conditions Fuel Low Scoring
The unusually calm conditions at Sea Island played a significant role in the day’s low scores. The Seaside course, typically a stern test due to the prevailing winds, offered ideal scoring opportunities. The average score on Seaside was 67.8 (2.2
