The 2022-23 PGA TOUR season draws to a close at The RSM Classic, the final event of the FedExCup Fall. There is expected to be a noticeable sense of stress this week as players work to keep or strengthen their TOUR status for the 2024 season, in contrast to the traditionally calm atmosphere in coastal Georgia.
St. Simons Island's Golf Stars and Season Finale
St. Simons Island, Georgia, boasts several TOUR stars, including tournament host Davis Love III. Previously positioned as the last event before the wraparound schedule, this year's RSM Classic marks the season finale before the TOUR returns to a calendar-year cadence.
Implications Up and Down the Leaderboard
While there are always rewards for the Sea Island winner, this year's golf tournament holds heightened implications. The top 125 on the FedExCup Fall standings will secure 2024 PGA TOUR exempt membership, gaining entry to Full-Field Events and THE PLAYERS Championship. Finishers at Nos. 51-60 will participate in two Signature Events in 2024 – The Genesis Invitational and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am – via The Next 10.
Adam Svensson's Title Defense and Other Residences in the Field
Adam Svensson is attempting to win back-to-back races at Sea Island by defending his championship. Notable contestants vying for their first RSM Classic victory are St. Simons Island natives Harris English, Keith Mitchell, Davis Love III, Zach Johnson,, and Patton Kizzire.
Notables in Action
Several notable players are back in action, including Open Championship winner Brian Harman and Billy Horschel. Despite the strong St. Simons Island presence, none of the local players have claimed The RSM Classic since Kevin Kisner's victory in 2015.
Twins David and Maxwell Ford's Debut
The twin brothers David and Maxwell Ford tee it up together for the first time at a PGA TOUR event. Earning their spots through various routes, including a sponsor invite and a win at the 2023 Jones Cup, they add an intriguing dynamic to the field.
U.S. Amateur Runner-up Ben Carr and Other Rising Stars
American Amateur runner-up Ben Carr, who garnered attention with his impressive amateur career, makes his first start on the PGA TOUR as a pro. Ben Kohles and Fred Biondi, two other up-and-coming players, infuse the competition with new life.
Storylines to Follow
1) Chase for the Top 125
The primary focus is on the race for the top 125 in the FedExCup Fall standings, as it determines exempt status for the 2024 season.
2) Chase for The Next 10
Beyond the top 125, the battle for positions 51-60 is crucial, securing entry into two Signature Events in 2024 via The Next 10.
3) Talking About Playoffs
Given historical precedents, a playoff scenario is likely, with six playoffs occurring in the 13 events at Sea Island.
Golf Odds and Projections
As the tournament unfolds across the Sea Island Resort's Seaside and Plantation courses, with the Plantation Course redesigned by tournament host Davis Love III, golf odds become a point of interest. The records indicate a competitive environment, with a 72-hole record of 260 shared by Kisner and Gooch.
Projections and Surprises
The SportsLine model, known for its accuracy, offers intriguing predictions for the 2023 RSM Classic. Brian Harman, a top favorite, is expected to face challenges, while longshot Keith Mitchell is predicted to make a strong title run.
Conclusion
As the final event of the FedExCup Fall, The RSM Classic brings a culmination of storylines, battles for TOUR status, and the potential for thrilling playoff scenarios. Golf enthusiasts eagerly await the unfolding drama at Sea Island, where seasoned veterans and rising stars alike aim to etch their names into the tournament's rich history. The golf odds add an extra layer of anticipation, offering fans and bettors alike a chance to engage with the event in a unique and exhilarating way.
