The RSM Classic, an Official PGA TOUR Event hosted by the Davis Love Foundation, offers professional golfers the opportunity to realize their dreams at Sea Island Golf Club on St. Simons Island as part of the Fed Ex Fall series, but it also makes dreams come true for many others. With more than 1,200 volunteers participating, numerous corporate partners and sponsors, and relationships with several community non-profit organizations, the tournament’s positive effects last far longer than the week of golf that is played here.
This much-anticipated event returns the week of November 13-19, and it promises to be another year of exciting competition on the course and the unrivaled Southern hospitality for which little island is known. RSM Classic Tournament Director Todd Thompson says, “We spend all year planning a memorable experience for players, their families, caddies, our partners, volunteers, media, and the spectators who visit us from across the country and around the globe. Our team is so excited to welcome everyone to the Golden Isles and Sea Island Resort so they can experience great golf and the warm Southern hospitality of our area. We are so fortunate to make our home in this amazing community that has embraced The RSM Classic and all those who come here.”
Year after year volunteers and spectators return to enjoy the intimate environment of the tournament. Volunteer Terry Britt shares her enthusiasm about the event. “I live at Carolina Beach in North Carolina and love coming to volunteer at The RSM Classic. I’ve volunteered at many tournaments including the Wells Fargo Championship and several of the majors. Each one provides a unique experience, but The RSM Classic is very special to me. I love the community and my volunteer role. I work early mornings delivering pairing sheets and other materials to hospitality venues and information centers. Then, in the afternoon, I have the privilege of driving a cart for a PGA TOUR Radio announcer while he follows some of the most exciting on-course action. It’s an experience like no other. I LOVE it!”
Established in 2005 by professional golfer Davis Love, III, the ambition mission of the Davis Love Foundation is to help build a better future for children and their families who are at risk of poor educational, economic, social and health outcomes. They support both national and community-based programs that focus on children and families in need through grants and donations. In 2010, the Foundation partnered with the PGA TOUR to host the St. Simons Island tournament and holds a title sponsors contract with RSM, the nation’s leading provider of assurance, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market, through 2025. In its first thirteen years, The RSM Classic has raised more than $35 million to support local and national charities, including Special Olympics and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Georgia.
“When The RSM Classic began in 2010, I could have never imagined the amazing impact that it would have on children and families both locally and across the United States,” says Brian Dolan. He can tell you the kind of difference the tournament makes to charitable organizations that benefit from it, because he sees it firsthand as the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia. “It has been a blessing to the young people we have and are serving at the Boys and Girls Club. Proceeds have allowed us to continue to build our programs like STEM, Money Matters and Project Learn. It has also helped us with some facility improvements where our staff and volunteers inspire and enable youth from all backgrounds, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, caring adults.”
RSM Managing Partner and CEO Brian Becker emphasizes that’s what it’s all about. “I’ve been with RSM for more than 30 years and have been a big supporter of The RSM Classic since its inception in 2010. As we continue this cherished tradition, I look forward to joining our friends from the Davis Love Foundation, Sea Island Resort and our 1,200+ volunteers who give back to communities nationwide while building lasting relationships and memories. Giving back is what keeps bringing us back. The RSM Classic, centered on our core value of stewardship, gives back to the community playing an integral role in the tournament’s tradition.”
Another opportunity to give back within the community linked to The RSM Classic is the Meet the RSM Pros event presented by the St. Simons Island Rotary Club. Now in its 12th year, Meet the RSM Pros will be held November 10, the Friday immediately preceding tournament week from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Golden Isles Green on the tournament grounds at Sea Island Golf Club. Parking will be available at the Sea Island Lodge. The event is an exclusive partnership with the Davis Love Foundation. This intimate evening gives attendees a rare opportunity to get-up-close-and personal with participating RSM Tournament Pros. Lite bites from Southern Soul BBQ, wine, and beer will be served. In his own inimitable way Rich Styles, founder of the Back9Boys will conduct personal interviews with RSM Classic Pros. In attendance will be special guest Justin Parsons, Elite Golf Instructor at the Sea Island Golf Performance Center, and coach for local golf pros Harris English and Brian Harman. Adding to the evening’s entertainment will be music provided by up-and-coming country artist Braedon Harris. All proceeds from the event benefit children and family charities in the Golden Isles community. Over $250,000 has been donated to such programs from prior Meet the RSM Pros events. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased at ssirotary.org.
While tournament grounds are closed to the public on Monday and Tuesday, you’re invited to join the PGA Tour Wives and their Pro husbands on Tuesday evening, November 14, for the annual Wiffle Ball Classic. Held the Frederica Academy Baseball field on St. Simons Island, this free community event that pairs local kids on teams with the wives and pros is always a great time for a good cause and you never know who might turn up! Past special guests have included a certain St. Louis Cardinal ace pitcher and members of the Savannah Bananas. It’s good, clean, family fun that you won’t want to miss!
Wednesday, November 15, is Community Day at The RSM Classic. Admission is free for all to preview the top PGA TOUR Professionals that will be competing in this year’s tournament as they play in the day’s Yamaha Pro-Am. You’ll also want to stay to check out the Charity Putting Challenge on the afternoon. This heartwarming event that pairs PGA TOUR Pros with kids from the Special Olympics and Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia for competition on the Speedway Putting Course is a real favorite of the EIL Staff.
Competitive play for the tournament begins with Round 1 on Thursday. Rounds 1 and 2 will be played on both the Seaside and Plantation Courses. On Saturday, play shifts to only the Seaside Course with Round 3. The final round of the tournament takes place on Sunday, with the trophy presentation held on the 18th green immediately following completion of play. No matter what day you come out to the tournament, you’ll want to make sure you check out the Youth Zone for the kids, and the Golden Isles Green where they’ll be service up delicious fare and drinks and you’ll find RSM Classic apparel and more in the merchandise tent. Come out to watch PGA TOUR Pros reaching for their dreams so, with your support, the Davis Love Foundation can give more children and families the tools that enable them to dare to dream. For more detailed information and to purchase tickets and hospitality options, visit rsmclassic.com.
2023 RSM CLASSIC EVENTS AT A GLANCE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10
MEET THE RSM PROS presented by the St. Simons Rotary Club in partnership with the Davis Love Foundation at the Golden Isles Green on the RSM Classic Tournament Grounds from 5:00 -7:00 p.m.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Practice rounds for PGA TOUR Players. The tournament grounds are CLOSED to patrons.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Practice rounds for PGA TOUR Players. The tournament grounds are CLOSED to patrons.
WIFFLE BALL CLASSIC featuring PGA TOUR Pros v. PGA TOUR Wives at the Frederica Academy Baseball Field on St. Simons Island. Admission is free. Food trucks on site. Time to be announced.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15
COMMUNITY DAY - The Golden Isles community is invited to come preview the top PGA TOUR Professionals competing in this year’s RSM Classic as they play in one of the highlight events of tournament week. Enjoy a relaxing day and take in the beautiful seaside settings that only the renowned Sea Island Golf Club and the Golden Isles of Georgia provide. Admission, parking, and round-trip shuttle transportation to/from the general parking area are all free.
YAMAHA PRO-AM EVENT – Seaside and Plantation Courses. Pairings and tee times TBA.
CHARITY PUTTING CHALLENGE – Speedway Putting Course 3:30 p.m
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16
ROUND 1 of The RSM Classic – Tee Times TBA
Gates Open at 8:30 a.m. Merchandise Tent Open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TV TIMES – GOLF CHANNEL 12:00-3:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17
ROUND 2 of The RSM Classic – Tee Times TBA
Gates Open at 8:30 a.m. Merchandise Tent Open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TV TIMES – GOLF CHANNEL 12:00-3:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18
ROUND 3 of The RSM Classic — Tee Times TBA
MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY, Wear your patriotic red, white & blue as we honor our military service members.
Gates Open at 9:00 a.m. Merchandise Tent Open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
TV TIMES – GOLF CHANNEL 1:00-4:00 p.m.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19
FINAL ROUND of The RSM Classic — Tee Times TBA
Gates Open at 9:00 a.m. Merchandise Tent Open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
Trophy Presentation on the 18th green immediately following the completion of play.
TV TIMES – GOLF CHANNEL 1:00-4:00 p.m.
GENERAL INFO
CHILDREN’S ADMISSION/YOUTH ZONE:
All youth 15 years and under are admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult ticket holder (excludes access to hospitality venues, where tickets are required for all children regardless of age). Strollers are permitted on the tournament grounds. The Youth Zone features fun activities including a putting course and face-painting. Access to the Youth Zone is free for children of all ages accompanied by an adult ticket holder.
PARKING/TRANSPORTATION/SHUTTLES:
Patron Parking and shuttle service is included in the price of each ticket. Parking is located at St. Simons Airport off of Skylane Road. Once on Skylane Road, follow signage to the designated parking area. Shuttles are located near the general parking area. This is also where Will Call is located and where tickets can be purchased before riding the shuttle. Shuttles are on a continuous loop between the general parking area and the tournament grounds beginning at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday and 7:00 a.m. Thursday-Sunday. Shuttles may wait at the general parking area on occasion if there are not enough passengers onboard. Patrons in need of additional assistance are asked to use the St. Simons Island Airport General Parking Area. A separate shuttle with wheelchair accessibility will transport patrons directly to the Special Needs tent located near the Golden Isles Green Village Area on the tournament grounds. Patrons are encouraged to ride bikes to Sea Island Golf Club, where designated Bike Parking for the tournament is located near the main entrance.
TICKETS/SPECTATOR INFORMATION
