RSM Classic 2024: Ludvig Åberg returns from knee surgery to defend his title

RSM Classic 2024 Preview

The 2025 PGA Tour season is nearing its end and the RSM marks the finish of the FedEx Cup Fall Series

While most of the elite are winding down ahead of 2025, Swedish sensation Ludvig Åberg is making his return to the PGA Tour two months after undergoing knee surgery. Åberg won the 2023 RSM Classic with a score of 29-under par.

Having not played compeitive golf since the Tour Championship and having not played in the DP World Tour Championship won by Rory McIlory last week, the Swede must have had his sights set on this event where he can defend his crown.

After seven events of the FedEx Cup Fall Series, the RSM Classic is the eighth and final event of a swing which has provided a refreshing climax to the year. The Fall Series has given those outside of the top 50 in the FedEx Cup rankings the chance to improve their playing privileges for next season.

A win in the fall not only comes with a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, but also entries into all four Major Championships, the Sentry and Players Championship. Those that finish between 51-60 after the eight events will also earn a place at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and Genesis Invitational.

Patton Kizzire, J.T. Poston, Nico Echavarria, and Austin Eckroat are among those who have won tournaments over the previous few weeks, securing spots in the biggest tournaments next year.

The top 125 will guarantee a PGA Tour card for next year, which makes the final event even more important for those players hovering around the bubble. Zac Blair, Joel Dahmen, and Wesley Bryan are currently occupying places 123-125 in the rankings so they’ll be hoping they can perform well enough this week to remain in the top 125 and fend off any challengers.

Debuting in 2010, the event was originally known as the McGladrey Classic before RSM became the main sponsor ahead of the 2015 edition. The Davis Love Foundation partnered with the PGA Tour ahead of the first tournament 14 years ago, with the former US Ryder Cup captain, Davis Love III, hosting the event. Since then, $42m has been raised for charities that support children and adults in need.

Where is the RSM Classic held?

Sea Island Resort in Georgia plays host to the final event of the 2024 Fall Series. Originally staged on the Seaside course alone, the tournament became a two-course event eight years ago, which meant an increase in participants.

The field will play both the Seaside and Plantation course over the first two days, with solely the former being used after the cut.

The Plantation course is a par-72, 7,060-yard design that was described as “parkland by the sea” by Rees Jones in 1998. Jones renovated the track that year, before it underwent further changes five years ago by Love Golf Design.

The Seaside course is slightly shorter at 7,005 yards, but it plays as a par-70, featuring just two par fives. This is certainly the tougher of the two courses, especially if the wind picks up during the weekend.

Who is in the field for the RSM Classic?

The biggest name playing this week is undoubtedly European Ryder Cup star, Ludvig Åberg. Despite only having the one PGA Tour title to his name, the 25-year old has enjoyed a brilliant first full season on the PGA Tour and you wouldn’t put it past him to win the RSM Classic back-to-back.

Including Åberg, there are ine past champions in the field this week. Including Canadien duo, 2022 winner, Adam Svensson, and 2017 champion, Mackenzie Hughes, who finished four shots behind last year’s winner in second place.

Robert Streb is the only two-time champion of the RSM Classic, and he lines-up in this week with a chance of adding a third RSM Classic title to his list of achievements.

Players just outside of the top 125 in the FedEx Cup rankings including Henrik Norlander (126), Daniel Berger (127), and Hayden Springer (128) will be hoping for a good result this week to propell them up the rankings and guarantee a PGA Tour card for next year.

Another European Ryder Cup winner from 2023 is teeing it up at the RSM Classic – Sepp Strake. The Austrian – like Åberg – hasn’t played since the Spanish Open on the DP World Tour but he’s in the field this week with a strong chance of taking the crown.

The full field for the RSM Classic can be found here.

What is the format of the RSM Classic?

The format of the RSM Classic is standard strokeplay with a cut after 36 holes (two rounds). The player with the lowest score over four rounds will win the tournament.

Who will win the RSM Classic?

Selected odds for the tournament will appear here when available.

How much will the winner of the RSM Classic receive?

The prize fund on offer this week is $7.6m, which is down from the $8.4m purse at the same event last year.

The winner will take home a cheque for $1.3m along with winning 500 FedEx Cup Fall points.

Who has won the RSM Classic?

How to watch the RSM Classic

Viewers in the UK can watch the event on Sky Sports Golf.

All times BST

Thursday, 21 November: Sky Sports Golf, 17.00

Friday, 22 November: Sky Sports Golf, 17.00

Saturday, 23 November: Sky Sports Golf, 18.00

Sunday, 24 November: Sky Sports Golf, 18.00

Viewers in the US can watch all four days via the Golf Channel.

All times EDT

Thursday, 21 November: Golf Channel, 12.00

Friday, 22 November: Golf Channel, 12.00

Saturday, 23 November: Golf Channel, 13.00

Sunday, 24 November: Golf Channel, 13.00

RSM Classic: Tee times and groupings

Tee times and groupings for the RSM Classic will appear here when announced.

About the Author

Ross Kilvington – Contributing Golf News Writer

Ross Kilvington is a freelance writer from Scotland who currently writes previews for Today’s Golfer, covering events on the DP World, PGA, and LPGA tours along with the LIV Golf Series.

Ross holds a passionate interest in golf and tries to play as often as possible, although having two daughters under the age of 6 means his quest to break 80 will have to wait a little longer.

Despite first picking up a club aged 11, highlights are few and far between on the golf course.

An Eagle on the par-4 16th at Kinghorn is one that stands out (it doesn’t matter that it was only 290 yards).