Image Credit: TSN
Doug Ghim narrowly missed a 59 on a calm day Thursday at The RSM Classic, posting a 10-under 60 to tie the Seaside Course record at Sea Island. The round marks a major stride toward keeping his PGA TOUR card for 2026.
Other Top Performers
Davis Thompson, son of tournament director Todd Thompson, and Rico Hoey each shot 10 under with a 62 on the Plantation Course. Andrew Putnam and Andrew Novak both carded 9-under 61s on the Seaside Course, with Novak returning to competition after the TOUR Championship and becoming a father.
Perfect Conditions for Low Scores
The Seaside Course usually tests players with wind from the water, but calm, warm conditions allowed for unusually low scoring. Ghim made four consecutive birdies, including two from 15 feet, and narrowly missed a 20-foot birdie on the 18th hole.
“I thought I made it halfway there and at the end of the day that’s all I really can do,” Ghim said.
Staying in the FedExCup Top 100
With the top 100 in the FedExCup retaining full TOUR status in 2026, Ghim, currently at No. 125, needed a strong start. He remains focused on playing solid golf rather than the exact standings.
“Finishing third is almost just as hard as winning. I’m focused on playing well and hopefully winning,” he said.
Highlights from Other Players
Novak, fresh off fatherhood and a Zurich Classic win with Ben Griffin, made his return to competition. Hoey hit all 18 greens at Plantation and sank a 45-foot eagle putt on the par-5 14th. Davis Love III, tournament host, shot 71.
Johnny Keefer rebounded with seven birdies on his last 10 holes for a 65 at Seaside, aiming to secure a Masters spot. Takumi Kanaya bogeyed the final two holes for a 68 after a tough week in Bermuda.
The calm weather produced low scores across both courses, with the Seaside averaging 67.8 and Plantation 68.5. Ghim’s 60 highlights his skill and positions him for a crucial end-of-season push to retain TOUR status.
