RSM Classic Final Round: McNealy Leads as Players Battle for PGA Tour Status in Tense Finish
The 2024 PGA Tour season finale at Sea Island, Georgia, has set up a thrilling conclusion with nine players within three shots of the lead. Maverick McNealy currently holds the outright lead at 15-under-par, with several contenders close behind.
Leaderboard:
- McNealy (-15)
- Hughes, Thorbjornsen, Berger (-14)
- Hodges, Whaley (-13)
The stakes are particularly high as this tournament determines the final FedEx Cup Fall standings. Players must finish inside the top 125 to secure full PGA Tour playing rights for the 2025 season. Those finishing outside will receive only conditional status.
Current FedEx Cup Fall Bubble:
- 124th: Sami Valimaki
- 125th: Joel Dahmen
- 126th: Hayden Springer
Golfer stretches before swing
Notable Developments:
- Daniel Berger has surged into contention with a birdie on the sixth hole, moving to just one shot back
- Joel Dahmen has made a significant push with five-under through his round, including an eagle and three consecutive birdies
- Henrik Norlander (currently 123rd in standings) has maintained stability with 10 consecutive pars
The RSM Classic winner will receive:
- $1.4 million prize money
- Two-year PGA Tour exemption
- Entry into The Players Championship
- Spots in The Sentry, PGA Championship, and The Masters
The FedEx Cup Fall, spanning eight tournaments from September to November, serves as the final opportunity for players ranked 51st and below to secure their 2025 tour eligibility. This concluding event at Sea Island will determine many players' futures on the PGA Tour.