The PGA Tour heads to Georgia’s stunning Seaside Course this week for the RSM Classic, marking the final event of the calendar year. With a $7.6 million purse on the line, the competition promises high stakes but lacks the presence of marquee names like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele. Aside from rising star Ludvig Åberg, none of the world’s top 20 players are competing, giving lesser-known contenders a golden opportunity to shine.
“Seaside Course: A Test of Precision and Putting”
The Seaside Course, a par-70, 7,005-yard layout, is famed for its strategic bunkering, narrow fairways, and the unpredictable ocean winds that challenge even the most seasoned golfers. With accuracy taking precedence over raw distance, players must adapt their game to succeed. Another critical factor? Performance on Bermuda grass greens, where putting can make or break a round.
Last year, four of the top five finishers ranked inside the top five for Strokes Gained (SG): Putting, emphasizing the importance of a hot hand with the flat stick. This year’s field will have to conquer the same challenges, alternating between the Seaside Course and the Plantation Course for the first two rounds, before the action returns exclusively to Seaside for the weekend.
“Eric Cole: The Player to Watch”
One of the most intriguing contenders this week is Eric Cole, a 36-year-old late bloomer poised for a breakthrough. Cole finished T3 at the RSM Classic last year and is coming off a T6 finish at the Zozo Championship in Japan, showing he’s in strong form heading into this week.
Cole’s game suits the Seaside Course perfectly, thanks to his comfort on Bermuda grass greens, a surface he has consistently excelled on throughout the season. He’s already posted top-20 finishes at three events featuring Bermuda grass: the Wyndham Championship, Sanderson Farms Championship, and FedEx St. Jude Championship. His putting will be the key to breaking through for his first PGA Tour victory.
“The Bermuda Grass Advantage”
History suggests players with strong track records on Bermuda greens have an edge at the RSM Classic. Past champions like Camilo Villegas, Chris Kirk, and Mackenzie Hughes have thrived in similar conditions. Cole’s proficiency on Bermuda turf and his recent form make him a strong pick for this year’s tournament.
“Who Else Could Shine?”
While Eric Cole is a standout, several other players could emerge from the shadows in this field. With the absence of top-ranked stars, the RSM Classic is an opportunity for less-heralded players to claim the spotlight. Here are some names to watch:
- Ludvig Åberg: The young Swede continues to impress in his rookie season and is the highest-ranked player in the field.
- Taylor Pendrith: Known for his accuracy, he could excel in the windy, precision-based conditions at Seaside.
- Ben Griffin: A strong putter who has shown flashes of brilliance on Bermuda greens.
“The Underdog Stage: Who Will Seize the Moment?”
Without the sport’s biggest names in the field, the RSM Classic is wide open. For players like Eric Cole, the stars have aligned to take center stage and secure a career-defining victory. As the PGA Tour wraps up its year, all eyes will be on the Seaside Course to see who can master its tricky greens, navigate the ocean winds, and claim the final trophy of 2024.
