The RSM Classic 2025 preview, picks & analysis
By: Kieran Clark | Edited: Wed 19 Nov 2025
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The PGA Tour makes its way to the tranquil landscape of St Simmons Island, Georgia, for The RSM Classic, but that relaxing backdrop will contrast against the exacting pressure that is on certain players ahead of the final event of the year.
Looking through the field, there are various agendas to focus on. Marking a significant change, only the leading 100 players in the FedEx Cup standings will retain fully exempt status for the 2026 season.
It's worth stating that this full exemption doesn't guarantee participation in those controversial Signature Events, as only those in the top 60 are ensured of their place in those elevated tournaments in the early weeks of the new campaign.
Those ranked between 101 and 125 will have conditional status on the tour, but given the nature of fields these days, the number of starts these players can anticipate is highly uncertain.
For that reason, there is a considerable amount at stake for the likes of Matt Wallace, Beau Hossler, and tour veterans such as Matt Kuchar and Brandt Snedeker, who are all battling for their places on the PGA Tour.
It's a different kind of anxiety to what the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are contending with when they are challenging for major championships, but it's no less compelling for golf fans to follow.
The RSM Classic, hosted by two-time American Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III, has been a platform for emerging names in recent years, including Maverick McNealy and Ludvig Aberg who have both won their maiden PGA Tour titles here.
12 months ago, it was finally McNealy's time, but who will follow in his footsteps? Ryder Cup star Harris English, twice a runner-up in majors this season, and former Open champion Brian Harman are among the biggest names in the field, but it could be yet another maiden winner this week as the circuit proper draws to a close for this calendar year.
Tournament Winners:
McNealy was the 2024 champion and he succeeded Ludvig Aberg. Before that, Canada's Adam Svensson won in 2022, with other recent winners including future LIV Golf stalwart Talor Gooch in 2021, Robert Streb in 2020, Tyler Duncan in 2019 and Charles Howell III in 2018.
Going back to when the tournament was founded in 2010, past champions include Ben Crane, Chris Kirk and Kevin Kisner, the latter two of whom are competing once more this week.
The Course:
The event is contested across two courses at the Sea Island Resort, the Seaside Course and Plantation Course, with play across both layouts on Thursday and Friday. The weekend's action is staged on the Seaside, which is a Harry Colt design that was later revamped by Tom Fazio that leans on classic links courses for inspiration. St Simmons Island is a wonderful place to visit - several players have homes here - and the venue itself is an enriching location to close out the year.
Form Guide:
Harris English won the Farmers Insurance Open earlier in the year and finished second in both the PGA Championship and Open behind Scottie Scheffler. The Ryder Cup player is a resident of these parts and will be keen to demonstrate just why he's the top ranked golfer in the field.
Prize Money:
The total prize fund is $7,000,000 with 500 crucial FedEx Fall points being up for grabs too for a week that can be a career saver at this level for several players in the field.
How to Watch:
Thursday: Sky Sports Main Event (13:30), Sky Sports Golf (13:30), Sky Sports Main Event (17:00), Sky Sports Golf (17:00).
Friday: Sky Sports Main Event (13:30), Sky Sports Golf (13:30), Sky Sports Golf (17:00).
Saturday: Sky Sports Golf (18:00).
Sunday: Sky Sports+ (18:00).
To Win:
Harris English. Top ranked golfer in the field.
Each Way:
Brian Harman. Former Champion Golfer of the Year is always capable of contending.
Each Way:
Daniel Berger. Searching for his first PGA Tour victory since 2021.
Five Outsiders to Watch:
Matt Wallace. Playing for his future on the PGA Tour.
Cameron Champ. Once considered to be one of the game's next big things.
Kevin Kisner. Past champion flirting between playing and commentating these days.
Davis Love III. World Golf Hall of Fame member is set to enjoy a rare outing at host.
Sahith Theegala. Can he rekindle the spark?
About the author
Kieran Clark is the Digital Editor of Golfshake. He oversees editorial content, community engagement, forums, and social media channels. A lifelong golfer from the Isle of Bute in Scotland who has now lived in St Andrews for a decade, he began playing at the age of five and maintains a passion for exploring courses, with a particular affection for historic layouts. Kieran regularly contributes in-depth opinion pieces and features, drawing on his enthusiasm for the game and its culture.
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