Celebrating 15 Years

Above: Davis Love III playing at The RSM Classic.

The RSM Classic, one of the final golf tournaments on the annual PGA TOUR schedule of events, originated as a simple yet powerful idea in 2010. Renowned professional golfer, Davis Love III, and his wife, Robin, wanted a way to support local children, families and individuals in need while also bringing their passion for the game of golf to their community. Davis Love III has won 21 events on the PGA TOUR, including one major: the 1997 PGA Championship. In 2017, Love was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, continuing to make an impact within and beyond the realm of golf. What began as a local initiative has flourished into an official PGA TOUR event benefiting qualified non-profit organizations on local, state and national levels.

The RSM Classic is held annually at Sea Island Golf Club, a venue that perfectly captures the beauty of coastal golf. Initially played on a single course, the tournament expanded in 2015 to include both the Seaside and the Plantation Courses. This expansion grew the player field and helped The RSM Classic grow in stature and popularity.

Players and spectators walking to next hole

As the 15th anniversary of The RSM Classic is celebrated this November, we reflect on what has made the event so special over the years. The tournament serves as an incredible showcase of emerging talent, with ten players securing their first PGA TOUR victories here. Noteworthy winners such as Chris Kirk, Kevin Kisner, Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Svensson and Ludvig Åberg have all etched their names in the tournament’s history. The event has also witnessed impressive feats, including three players—Tommy Gainey, Sebastian Munoz and Tyler McCumber—carding record-breaking 10-under-par, 60s during competition rounds. With 34 nations represented in its history, The RSM Classic has grown into a truly international event.

As the final event on the PGA TOUR schedule each year, The RSM Classic holds significant weight for many professional golfers. It serves as the final chance for players to secure their TOUR cards for the following season, making it a pivotal event in many players’ careers. The competition is always fierce, with each event promising an atmosphere charged with high drama and intense emotions.

Sea Island is immensely proud and honored to host The RSM Classic each fall, with every year offering family-friendly festivities and growing excitement. The tournament has become a cornerstone event, and with 2024’s installment marking the 15th anniversary, this event promises to honor the tournament’s tradition.

Ludvig Åberg holds the trophy after winning The RSM Classic at Sea Island Golf Club.

Since its inception, The RSM Classic has continued to build on its legacy, not just as a premier golfing event but as a force for good, raising millions of dollars for charity and creating a positive impact that is beyond measure. Over the past 15 years, RSM and the Power of Love program have helped the tournament raise over $42 million for charity, far exceeding Love’s initial expectations. “We never could have imagined what a massive impact partnering with Sea Island and RSM would have on so many children and families,” recalls Love.

One of the week’s most cherished events is the Charity Putting Challenge, where 12 PGA TOUR professionals team up with members of the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia and local Special Olympic athletes. The RSM Leadership team steps in as caddies, creating a heartwarming and inclusive experience.

RSM’s Birdies Fore Love program is another major charitable initiative tied to The RSM Classic. Hosted in collaboration with the PGA TOUR, during the FedExCup Fall series, last year’s Birdies Fore Love winner, Luke List, recorded the most birdies during the FedExCup and was awarded $300,000 to donate to children- or family-focused charities of his choice. This program not only showcases the competitive spirit of the game but also emphasizes the philanthropic impact that RSM strives to make each year.

This year, the tournament will celebrate its 15th anniversary by hosting “Eagles on 15,” an additional fundraising opportunity that will take place during the four tournament rounds, Thursday, November 21 through Sunday, November 24. For every eagle made on the Par-5, 15th hole of the Seaside Course, $1,500 will be donated to a military-affiliated charity.

The RSM Classic is always on the lookout for opportunities to serve the nation’s armed forces. All active and retired servicemen and women with proper ID are granted complimentary admission to the tournament. In addition, all servicemen, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, police officers, rescuers and any other first responders from the region receive access to the Heroes Outpost, a hospitality venue that serves complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages near the ninth green.

For the players, The RSM Classic is the final chance of the season to secure their place on the PGA TOUR and the possible opportunity to join the winner’s circle. For the fans, it’s an opportunity to witness world-class golf up-close in a gorgeous setting. And for the Golden Isles community, it’s a celebration of everything that makes this corner of the world so special. As the tournament tees off for its 15th anniversary this November, it will do so with a sense of purpose, pride and anticipation for what the next 15 years will bring.