RSM Classic 2026: Full Tournament Preview
As the 2026 PGA TOUR season approaches its conclusion, attention turns to Sea Island, Georgia, for the RSM Classic. The annual tournament brings together established tour professionals, emerging talents and previous champions for four days of competitive golf across two distinctive coastal courses.
Played at Sea Island Golf Club, the event is particularly important for players looking to secure their playing privileges for the 2027 season. With a $7.4 million prize fund and 500 FedExCup points available to the winner, there is plenty at stake as the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup Fall schedule reaches its conclusion.
The 2026 edition features several major championship winners, recent PGA TOUR champions and promising young golfers. Here is everything you need to know about the dates, venue, prize money, confirmed players and potential contenders.
When Is The RSM Classic?
The RSM Classic 2026 takes place from Thursday 19th November to Sunday 22nd November 2026. The tournament consists of four rounds of stroke-play golf, with the first two rounds played across the Seaside and Plantation courses before the competition concludes over the weekend.
The wider tournament programme runs from Monday 16th November to Sunday 22nd November. Professional practice rounds are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, followed by the traditional pro-am competition on Wednesday 18th November. The opening competitive round begins on Thursday, with the final round and trophy presentation taking place on Sunday.
The tournament features a 156-player field, with the halfway cut reducing the competition to the leading 65 players and ties after 36 holes.
Exact player tee times and broadcast schedules should be checked through official tournament and PGA TOUR updates closer to the opening round. UK viewers should also account for the time difference between Georgia and Britain when planning to follow the action.
Where Is The RSM Classic Held?
The RSM Classic takes place at Sea Island Golf Club on St. Simons Island, Georgia, in the United States. The competition uses two championship layouts: the Seaside Course and the Plantation Course.
The Seaside Course is a par-70 layout measuring 7,157 yards. Its coastal setting exposes players to changing wind conditions, making accurate iron play, controlled ball flight and effective course management particularly important. The course’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean adds another dimension, with weather conditions capable of influencing club selection and scoring opportunities.
The Plantation Course is a par-72 layout measuring 7,060 yards. It offers a different test, requiring players to combine accurate driving with consistent approach play and strong putting. The contrast between the two courses means competitors must adjust their strategies throughout the opening two rounds.
Both layouts are part of Sea Island’s established golfing heritage, and the venue has become a familiar destination for PGA TOUR professionals. The tournament is hosted by the Davis Love Foundation, with Davis Love III serving as tournament host.
What Is The Purse For The RSM Classic?
The total prize purse for the 2026 RSM Classic is $7.4 million, with the tournament winner receiving $1,332,000, according to the PGA TOUR’s 2026 media guide.
The champion will also collect 500 FedExCup points, making the tournament particularly significant for players competing to improve their position in the standings and secure their PGA TOUR status for the following season.
The remaining prize money is distributed among players according to their finishing positions. Competitors who make the halfway cut will receive a share of the purse, with larger payments awarded to those finishing closer to the top of the leaderboard.
Beyond the financial incentives, the tournament offers an important opportunity for players to finish their PGA TOUR campaigns strongly. As the final event of the 2026 FedExCup Fall schedule, performances at Sea Island could have significant implications for players’ professional futures.
Who Is Playing at the RSM Classic?
The 2026 RSM Classic field features an impressive combination of established PGA TOUR professionals, major championship winners and emerging players.
Tournament organisers announced several groups of confirmed commitments in October and November. Notable names scheduled to compete include:
Sami Välimäki, the defending champion after winning the 2025 tournament with a 23-under-par total.
Ludvig Ã…berg, the 2023 RSM Classic champion.
Maverick McNealy, who won the tournament in 2024.
Adam Svensson, the 2022 champion.
Mackenzie Hughes, the 2016 winner.
Brian Harman, the 2023 Open Championship winner.
Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion.
Blades Brown, the 2026 World Wide Technology Championship winner.
Jackson Koivun, one of the emerging young talents on the PGA TOUR.
The tournament also features a strong contingent of players with connections to Sea Island. Among the 12 Sea Island-based PGA TOUR players announced for the event are Harris English, Steven Fisk, Will Gordon, Patton Kizzire, Keith Mitchell, Andrew Novak, Paul Peterson, J.T. Poston, Davis Thompson and Michael Thompson, alongside Brian Harman and Blades Brown.
The final field remains subject to player withdrawals and changes before the tournament begins.
Who Are Favourites To Win The RSM Classic?
Identifying a potential winner at the RSM Classic requires consideration of recent performances, previous results at Sea Island and the ability to handle both championship courses.
Sami Välimäki will arrive as defending champion after his impressive victory in 2025. His ability to produce a strong performance across four rounds makes him an obvious player to follow, although defending a tournament title presents its own challenges.
Ludvig Ã…berg is another notable contender. The Swedish golfer won the 2023 edition with a record-breaking 29-under-par total of 253, demonstrating his ability to perform exceptionally well at Sea Island.
Brooks Koepka adds further quality to the field. His five major championship victories demonstrate his experience of competing under pressure, although his suitability to the specific course conditions will be an important consideration.
Emerging players such as Blades Brown and Jackson Koivun could also make an impression. Both arrive following significant achievements during the 2026 season, and their performances will be worth monitoring.
Bet on the RSM Classic at Bet442
The RSM Classic offers plenty of opportunities for golf fans to follow the action and explore the available betting markets throughout the tournament.
At Bet442, you can explore our golf betting markets and discover the latest golf betting opportunities ahead of the tournament.
Whether you are following the defending champion, backing one of the leading contenders or looking for an outside selection, our sports section offers a range of markets to explore. Golf fans interested in the RSM Classic can check the available markets and current odds ahead of the opening round.
Bet442 is licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring a safe and secure betting experience.
Always remember to gamble responsibly by sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.