RSM Classic 2025: Final Showdown for PGA Tour Cards

The RSM Classic 2025: Season's Final Battleground

As the 2025 PGA Tour season approaches its dramatic conclusion, all eyes turn to Sea Island Golf Club for The RSM Classic. This prestigious tournament isn't just another stop on the schedule—it's the final battleground where players will fight tooth and nail to secure their professional futures. With the PGA Tour reducing full-time exemptions to just 100 cards this year, the stakes have reached unprecedented heights.

The Cut Line Show: A New Era of Golf Drama

This year's RSM Classic introduces groundbreaking coverage with the debut of the PGA TOUR's new 'Cut Line' show. Premiering Friday at 2:45 p.m. ET, this innovative program will bring fans closer to the intense cut-line drama than ever before. Hosted by two-time TOUR winner Matt Every and PGA TOUR Live's Emma Carpenter from the state-of-the-art PGA TOUR Studios, the show combines live golf coverage with immediate analysis.

'Cut Line' will offer instant reaction to the drama unfolding inside the ropes, highlighting who's in, who's out and what it means for each player.'

Viewers can expect extended coverage as second-round play concludes, with on-site reporters John Maginnes and Sean Martin providing real-time insights from St. Simons Island. The show will stream live on PGA TOUR YouTube and X platforms, with additional coverage available on ESPN+.

Life-or-Death: The FedExCup Status Race

The RSM Classic represents the last chance for players to earn 2026 PGA Tour status. The top 100 finishers in the FedExCup standings will secure full exemptions, while those finishing 101st-150th will retain varying levels of conditional status. For players like Joel Dahmen (currently 117th) or Beau Hossler (98th), a single missed cut could mean the difference between full-time status and limited playing privileges.

As CBS Sports highlights, even finishing between 101st-110th offers significant advantages over the 111th-125th tier. With smaller fields and fewer Monday qualifiers this year, the competition has grown cutthroat. Players like Matt Wallace and Frankie Capan will need exceptional performances to climb the standings.

Star Power and Local Heroes

The 156-player field features 10 2025 tour winners, adding star power to the proceedings. Notable names include Sea Island residents Harris English and Brian Harman, while defending champion Maverick McNealy returns seeking his second title. World No. 13 English and No. 32 Harman bring local flavor to this crucial event.

The tournament's $7 million purse adds extra incentive for competitors, but the real prize lies in securing next season's playing rights. For players like Takumi Kanaya (99th FedExCup standing), a strong performance could cement their status after a T3 finish at last week's Bermuda Championship.

How to Watch the Action

Golf fans can catch all the drama across multiple platforms:

• Thursday & Friday: 8 a.m. ET coverage on ESPN App and ESPN streaming hub
• 'Cut Line' Show: Friday at 2:45 p.m. ET on PGA TOUR YouTube/X and ESPN+
li>Weekend: Check ESPN and Golf Channel for final-round coverage

The RSM Classic has a history of producing emotional moments, like Joel Dahmen's 2024 putt that retained his card. As the Netflix docuseries "Full Swing" captured, these cut-line battles create compelling narratives beyond the leaderboard.

The Final Chapter

As the sun sets on the 2025 season, Sea Island will host one final, unforgettable chapter. Whether it's the debut of the 'Cut Line' show, the bubble players' desperate efforts, or the star performers chasing glory, this RSM Classic promises to deliver the drama, tension, and excitement that makes professional golf so compelling. For players and fans alike, this isn't just a tournament—it's a defining moment that will shape the 2026 PGA Tour landscape.