Sami Valimaki wins the RSM Classic, securing his first PGA Tour title. Rosenmüller and Paul lose their PGA Tour cards.
The RSM Classic marked the final event of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Fall series, where much more than just prize money was at stake. Only the top 100 players in the rankings retain their PGA Tour cards for the 2026 season. On Sunday, the final decisions were made. Unfortunately for German players Thomas Rosenmüller and Jeremy Paul, the season ended in disappointment. Paul missed the cut on Friday and finished 135th in the rankings, while Rosenmüller ended up at 151st after a T64 finish at the RSM Classic. The tournament winner was Finland’s Sami Valimaki, who celebrated his first career victory on the PGA Tour. The win also earned him spots in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Genesis Invitational.
PGA Tour: Sami Valimaki delivers a steady performance
Although Valimaki was already in a solid position at 74th in the rankings heading into the tournament, the RSM Classic turned into a breakthrough moment for the 27-year-old. He delivered a consistent and nearly flawless performance throughout the week, culminating in a final-round 66 (4-under-par) on Sunday to secure his maiden PGA Tour victory. He held off late charges from Americans Max McGreevy (-7) and Ricky Castillo (-8). On the front nine, Valimaki made birdies on holes 2 and 4, but a risky tee shot on the 5th led to a bogey—only his fourth of the week. He bounced back with a birdie on the 8th and added two more on holes 10 and 15 to finish at 4-under for the day and clinch the title.
Mixed results for German players
It was a tough week for the German contingent. Jeremy Paul and Stephan Jäger both missed the cut on Friday, finishing at 3 and 4 under par respectively. Jäger concluded the FedEx Cup Fall season in 68th place, retaining his PGA Tour card. However, a stronger finish could have propelled him into the top 60, earning him spots in Pebble Beach and the Genesis Invitational. Paul’s season ends at 135th, resulting in the loss of his PGA Tour card. Thomas Rosenmüller was the only German to make the weekend, but rounds of 72 and 69 on the par-70 course led to a T64 finish and 151st place in the final rankings.