RSM Classic: The Untold Story Behind the Cut

The Final Showdown on Sea Island

The PGA Tour's 2025 season culminates this week at Sea Island Golf Club for the RSM Classic, where $7 million and 2026 Tour status are on the line. Beyond the leaderboard drama, two compelling stories emerge: the influence of swing coach Scott Hamilton and the debut of PGA Tour Studios' new 'Cut Line' show.

Scott Hamilton: Golf's Busiest Man

While 156 players compete, the most influential figure at this event won't swing a club. Swing instructor Scott Hamilton has 17 players in the RSM Classic field – a testament to his impact on the Tour. His Cartersville, Georgia, studio has become a pilgrimage site for pros seeking his biomechanical expertise and folksy wisdom.

"Scott has one of the deepest understandings of the golf swing and the mechanics and biomechanics of anyone in the game," said former student Maverick McNealy, who won here last year.

Hamilton's unassuming facility – equipped with Gears 3D motion capture technology – has transformed players like Mackenzie Hughes and Chris Kirk. His philosophy? "You don't have a bad attitude; you just don't have a square clubface!" Players often stay at his home, practice in his basement studio, and dine at his dinner table, creating a unique fraternity of golfers bonded by swing mechanics.

Hamilton works with students at his Georgia facility equipped with Gears 3D motion capture technology. - Image from https://www.bing.com/th?id=OIP.D9TrpIljxwsjsGAGsL28jAHaFj&w=120&h=120&c=1&pid=5.1

Scott Hamilton analyzing a student's swing at his Cartersville studio.

'Cut Line' Show: Live Drama Unfolds

This year's RSM Classic introduces a new way to experience the most critical cut of the season. PGA Tour Studios launches its 'Cut Line' show on Friday, November 21, streaming live at 2:45 p.m. ET on YouTube, X, and ESPN+. Hosted by Matt Every and Emma Carpenter, the show will combine real-time leaderboard analysis with on-course reporting from John Maginnes and Sean Martin.

The stakes couldn't be higher: The top 100 FedExCup finishers earn full 2026 status, while players 101-150 retain conditional status. With Andrew Putnam's opening 61 keeping hopes alive, the cut line promises season-defining moments.

The new 'Cut Line' show studio featuring hosts Matt Every and Emma Carpenter. - Image from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llFZB3VGWx0

PGA Tour Studios' new 'Cut Line' show in production.

Stakes & Viewing Guide

As the Tour's finale, the RSM Classic represents the last chance for players like Harris English and Brian Harman (both Sea Island residents) to solidify their status. The field includes 10 2025 winners, with defending champion Maverick McNealy absent due to paternity leave.

Fans can catch the action:

Thursday/Friday: 8 a.m. ET coverage on ESPN App and ESPN streaming hub
Friday: 'Cut Line' show at 2:45 p.m. ET

The Verdict

Whether it's Hamilton's 17 players seeking swing perfection or Tour hopefuls battling for survival, the RSM Classic delivers off-course drama as compelling as the golf itself. With the 'Cut Line' show offering unprecedented access to the season's most pivotal moments, this year's finale promises to be unforgettable.