The RSM Classic Celebrates 15 Years

And what an amazing 15 years it has been! From last year’s record-breaking -29 performance by Ludvig Åberg (#6 in World Golf Rankings at the time of publication) to competitive playoffs and overtime rounds like Mackenzie Hughes’ big win as a rookie in 2018 to the annual PGA TOUR Wives v. Husbands Wiffle Ball Challenge with the Savannah Bananas joining the fun and years that included stellar concerts featuring Darius Rucker, Cole Swindell, and Martina McBride. These are just a few of the highlights from the tournament held right in our backyard and excitement is already buzzing for this year’s event.

The RSM Classic, an Official PGA TOUR Event hosted by the Davis Love Foundation, began in 2010 as The McGladrey Classic and was rebranded in 2015 when McGladrey LLP united with fellow firms in its network and changed its name to RSM. Contested play for the first five years took place solely on the Seaside Course, but 2015 marked changes to that as well, and the RSM Classic added play on Plantation, Seaside’s sister course. The allowed the tournament field to increase from 132 to 156 players. Now in its 15th year, the RSM Classic is the eighth and final event of the FedExCup Fall series with a purse of $7.6 million, including $1,368,000 to the winner and August500 FedExCup points.

This much-anticipated event returns the week of November 18-24, and it promises to be another year of exciting competition on the course and the unrivaled Southern hospitality for which our little island is known. From the beginning, the vision of tournament host professional golfer Davis Love III for this event held in his hometown has been simple: give players an enjoyable but demanding test at Sea Island Golf Club and do it in a relaxed setting that offers a wonderful experience for pros, their families, caddies, sponsors, volunteers and spectators. As RSM Classic Tournament Director Todd Thompson has explained, “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.” Love’s vision has clearly been realized because year after year, golfers and their families, as well as visiting members of the media, rave about the hospitality and friendly atmosphere, and hundreds of volunteers and spectators return to enjoy the intimate environment of the tournament.

The tournament attracts a high-quality field of golfers bolstered by some of our local (and formerly local) players. The current list of local players on the PGA TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour besides tour host Davis Love III are John Augenstein, Spencer Ralston, Jonathan Byrd, Brian Harman, Andrew Novak, Harris English, JT Poston, Joey Garber, Zach Johnson, Greyson Sigg, Will Gordon, Patton Kizzire, Davis Thompson, Ben Griffin, Michael Thompson, Keith Mitchell, and Paul Peterson. But don’t presume there’s a “hometown advantage” playing Seaside, because you’ll notice that none of those players’ names are on the list of champions here. Zach Johnson and Chris Kirk (2013 Champion) are the only golfers who have played in all 15 years of the tournament. They’re both committed to play again this year, along with fellow Team RSM members Kyle Westmoreland, and Davis Love III.

15 Years of Champions

2023 – Ludvig Åberg (-29)

2022 – Adam Svensson (-19)

2021 – Talor Gooch (-22)

2020 – Robert Streb (-19) **only repeat winner

2019 – Tyler Duncan (-19)

2018 – Charles Howell III (-19)

2017 – Austin Cook (-21)

2016 – Mackenzie Hughes (-17)

2015 – Kevin Kisner (-22)

2014 – Robert Streb (-14)

2013 – Chris Kirk (-14)

2012 – Tommy Gainey (-16)

2011 – Ben Crane (-15)

2010 – Heath Slocum (-14)

But the benefits of the tournament reach far beyond the world of golf and the positive effects last much longer than this one week in November. The economic impact for the Golden Isles is estimated to be between $15 and $25 million. Through the “Power of Love” program and the Davis Love Foundation, the tournament has raised more than $42 million for charities since 2010. Established in 2005 by 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. The Foundation supports both national and community-based programs that focus on children and families in need through grants and donations. Special Olympics and Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia are just two examples of the many organizations supported by the Foundation. This year’s Power of Love charitable gift total will be announced from Sea Island on Thursday, November 21.

The week before the tournament, the St. Simons Island Rotary Club offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with RSM Tournament Pros and give back to the community in keeping with the spirit of the tournament. In an exclusive partnership with the Davis Love Foundation, they will be presenting the 13th Annual Meet the RSM Pros at at the Golden Isles Green on the tournament grounds of Sea Island Golf Club on St Simons Island (Parking will be available at the Sea Island Lodge). Presented as the immediate lead in to RSM Classic tournament week, it takes place Friday, November 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Meet The RSM Pros gives attendees a rare opportunity for casual and candid conversation with RSM Tournament Pros. The evening includes light bites from Southern Soul Barbeque, wine and beer, and exclusive personal interviews with RSM Classic Pros by Rich Styles, founder of the Back9Boys. Up-and-coming country artist Braedon Harris will be returning to provide musical entertainment. All proceeds from the event benefit charities supporting children and families in the Golden Isles community. Tickets are $100 per person, or $175 for two people, and are available online at ssirotary.org/mtp-2024.

While tournament grounds are closed to the public on Monday and Tuesday, you’re invited to join the PGA TOUR Wives and their PGA TOUR husbands on Tuesday evening, November 19, for the 12th annual PGA TOUR Wives Wiffle Ball Classic. The game moves to a new venue this year: Mallery Park Baseball field on St. Simons Island, and starts at 5:00 p.m. The free community event that includes local youth from the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia on the Wives and Husbands teams is always a great time for a good cause! In case that’s not enough good, clean, family fun for you, members of the Savannah Bananas will be there to add to the entertainment. You won’t want to miss this evening of family competition and lots of laughs!

Wednesday, November 20, is Community Day, benefiting the Golden Isles Talent Development Strategy. The community is invited to preview the top PGA TOUR Professionals that will be competing in this year’s tournament as they play in a highlight of tournament week: the Yamaha Pro-Am. Enjoy a relaxing day and take in the beautiful seaside setting of Sea Island Golf Club. Admission is free, as is the parking and round-trip shuttle transportation from the General Parking area located at the St. Simons Island Airport. Our special EIL staff recommendation is that you stick around Wednesday afternoon to check out the Charity Putting Challenge at 3:30 p.m. on the Speedway Putting course. For the Challenge, twelve teams made up of one PGA Tour Player, one student from Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia, one Special Olympic Athlete, and a caddie/scorekeeper from the RSM Corporate Team, compete in a scramble format. The benefactors from the Charity Putting are numerous charities far and wide that earn $10,000 apiece. The Davis Love Foundation raises $120,000 during the Putting Challenge and it’s always a heartwarming experience that will leave you with a smile.

Competitive play for the tournament begins with Round 1 on Thursday, November 21. Round 1 and Friday’s Round 2 will be played on both the Seaside and Plantation Courses. On Saturday, play shifts to only the Seaside Course with Round 3. In recognition of the tournament’s 15th anniversary this year, a special initiative is being planned for any eagles that are made on the 15th hole of the Seaside Course, so pay attention for that!

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 serving up delicious fare and drinks, and you’ll find RSM Classic apparel and more in the merchandise tent.

Please note that you will encounter volunteers everywhere you go at the RSM Classic. From walking scorers, marshals, caddie services, player services, transportation, cart operations and hospitality. The enthusiasm from the community to assist with the tournament is impressive with over 1,200 individuals sharing their time to help operate the tournament. While most are from the Golden Isles, many travel just to volunteer with the RSM Classic each year.

For our military servicemen and women (active and retired) and first responders, please be aware you have special benefits available. The RSM Classic salutes the men and women who serve and have served in our armed forces. To show their support, all active and retired servicemen and women with proper ID will be granted admission to the tournament at no charge, as will first responders. They will have access to the Heritage Plastics Heroes Outpost located near #9 green of the Seaside Course. The Heritage Plastics Heroes Outpost is a covered hospitality venue that includes complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages as well as premium golf viewing. In addition, special tournament pricing is available to all military veterans.

Come out to watch exciting PGA TOUR competition and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of Sea Island Golf Club and the warmth of community. You can also feel good knowing that your support aids the mission of the Davis Love Foundation to assist children and families in our community. Patron Passes are $60 for each day or $70 for a Good Any Day pass. LiveOak Fiber Terraces $195 and include multiple viewing platforms with complimentary beer/seltzers at all venues, specialty food selections from Halyard Restaurant Group available for purchase, and cash bar for wine/spirits. For more detailed information and to purchase tickets and hospitality options, visit rsmclassic.com.

2024 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 18

Practice rounds for PGA TOUR Players. The tournament grounds are CLOSED to patrons.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Practice rounds for PGA TOUR Players. The tournament grounds are CLOSED to patrons.

WIFFLE BALL CLASSIC featuring PGA TOUR Pros v. PGA TOUR Wives and featuring members of the Savannah Bananas at Mallery Park Baseball Field on St. Simons Island. Admission is free. Food available for purchase on site. 5:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20

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: The Yamaha Pro-Am. And don’t miss the Charity Putting Challenge on the Speedway Putting Course, it’s the most fun competition of the week! Enjoy a relaxing day and take in the beautiful seaside settings. 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 21

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 22

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 23

ROUND 3 of The RSM Classic — Tee Times TBA

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY - Wear your patriotic red, white & blue to 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 24

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.

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 just off 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

rsmclassic.com