Top Players Struggle at RSM Classic; Cutline Impacting Big Names
News Summary
The RSM Classic is presenting intense pressure for professional golfers as they battle for positions in the top 100 to secure their PGA Tour status. Andrew Novak leads with a remarkable 16-under par, while big names like Ryo Hisatsune and Brian Harman face disappointment after missing the cut. With lots at stake, including a generous prize and a two-year exemption, players are feeling the heat as the tournament progresses at Sea Island Golf Club.
Top Players Feel the Pressure at RSM Classic; Cutline Claims Big Names
As the final FedEx Cup Fall event of 2025 unfolds, the RSM Classic is heating up and bringing some serious pressure along with it. The stakes have never been higher, with players scrambling to secure their spots in the coveted top 100 to ensure their PGA Tour status for the following season.
Leaders at Halfway Point
Heading into the weekend, Andrew Novak has stormed to the top of the leaderboard with an impressive score of 16-under par. His remarkable rounds of 61 and 65 have left him in prime position as contenders look to chase down this formidable score. Meanwhile, the cutline set at six-under indicates that the competition is fierce, with players showcasing their skills at Sea Island Golf Club.
Misses That Matter
Unfortunately, not everyone is having a great week. Several notable names missed the cut, which only adds to the tension of the event. Ryo Hisatsune (95th), Thorbjorn Olesen (96th), Danny Walker (97th), and Takumi Kanaya (99th) were left disappointed, as they will not be seen on the course over the weekend. All four players have been struggling to stay within the top 100, and this weekend’s absence only heightens their anxiety.
Interestingly, Kanaya is projected to finish exactly 100th in the standings. With two rounds still left in the tournament, how he performs could still shift everything. Brian Harman, a former Major winner, also faced a heartbreaking scenario, missing the cut by merely one stroke after rounds of 67 and 69. This marks his third missed cut of the year, which certainly isn’t the result he was looking for.
Struggles on the Course
This event has not been kind to Si Woo Kim and Sahith Theegala either, both of whom found themselves outside the cutline. Theegala, in particular, has faced ongoing challenges since returning from an injury, and the pressure is mounting for him to regain his form.
As the leaderboard continues to evolve, Danny Walker finished six-under but still couldn’t find his way to the weekend, missing the cut by just one stroke—a tough break for any player aiming for redemption.
The Tight Race for Tour Cards
Adding extra drama to the event, Ben Griffin, who kicked off the week ranked 123rd, missed the cut by yet another stroke, projecting him to finish around 126th. Without the necessary points, he may miss out on conditional status for the upcoming season—a tough spot for any player.
On the other hand, Patrick Rodgers is right in the mix, looking to snatch a win that could secure him a solid place in the top 100. He entered the event ranked No. 63, and a strong finish could prove pivotal for his coming season.
The pressure intensifies for players like Doug Ghim and John Pak as they too strive for significant finishes to help lock down their PGA Tour cards. The implications of the tournament extend far and wide; only the top 100 players will walk away with tour cards for the next season.
What’s At Stake
As we move to the conclusion of the RSM Classic, all eyes will be glued to Sea Island. The final round marks the endpoint of the fall schedule and all official tour events for 2025. Winning this tournament comes with a hefty prize—over $1 million and a two-year exemption—making it all the more critical for those vying to improve their standings.
Stay tuned as the drama unfolds; the weekend promises to deliver excitement and possibly some surprises in this thrilling chase for the coveted spots in the FedEx Cup standings.
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