By: Brian Albertson

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

In a few weeks the Golden Isles will once again take center stage in the world of professional golf as the PGA TOUR returns for the 2026 RSM Classic, November 19–22, at the beautiful Sea Island Golf Club on St. Simons Island.

Sami Valimaki (-23) of Finland won the 2025 RSM Classic to earn his first career PGA Tour victory.

One of the most anticipated events on the PGA Tour’s fall schedule, the RSM Classic brings together a talented field of professionals competing on two of the area’s finest golf courses, the Seaside and Plantation Courses.

With stunning coastal scenery, challenging layouts, and a welcoming Southern atmosphere, the tournament has become a favorite among players, spectators, and the local community.

A Tournament Rich in Tradition: Since its inception in 2010, the RSM Classic has grown into one of the premier events on the PGA Tour’s fall calendar. Hosted by PGA Tour professional and World Golf Hall of Fame member Davis Love III, the tournament has developed a reputation for outstanding hospitality, competitive golf, and tremendous charitable contributions throughout the Golden Isles.

The event also provides a unique opportunity for local golf fans to watch some of the world’s best players compete just minutes from home.

Getting the week started with Qualifying: The tournament week begins with the tournament qualifier held at Brunswick Country Club on Monday, November 16th.

Prior to this, there are five pre-qualifiers. These “PreQ’s” are held at Sea Palms Resort, King and Prince Resort, Echelon, Chateau Elan, and Jekyll Island Golf Club.

In total, over 500 professional golfers will be battling for four coveted exemptions into the RSM classic on Monday at Brunswick Country Club. The last three years 65 has been the qualifying score to get into the RSM field.

The Home-Course Advantage: One of the most interesting aspects of the RSM Classic is the large number of PGA Tour professionals who call the Golden Isles home.

The area’s outstanding golf facilities, year-round playing conditions, and relaxed coastal lifestyle have made Sea Island a popular home base for professional golfers.

Players with strong local ties, including Davis Thompson, Harris English, Brian Harman, Keith Mitchell, and J.T. Poston, have helped establish the Golden Isles as one of the country’s most prominent communities for professional golf.

With familiar surroundings and plenty of hometown support, the local contingent will certainly be among the players to watch.

Two Courses, Two Different Challenges: The tournament’s opening two rounds are played across the Seaside and Plantation Courses, with the final two rounds contested on the newly renovated Seaside Course.

Tournament host Davis Love III and his Love Golf Design Company did a masterful job of restoring and renovating the classic Seaside Course.

The Seaside Course, a seaside links-style layout, features expansive marsh views, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging coastal winds. Accuracy, distance control, and a confident putting stroke are essential for success.

The Plantation Course offers a different test, featuring tree-lined fairways, strategic hazards, and a variety of risk-reward opportunities.

Players who can take advantage of the scoring opportunities on Plantation while navigating the challenges of Seaside will put themselves in excellent position heading into the weekend.

As always, the coastal winds could play a significant role in determining the champion. When the breeze picks up, the Seaside Course can quickly become one of the more demanding tests on the fall schedule.

More Than Just a Golf Tournament: Beyond the competition, the RSM Classic continues to make a lasting impact throughout the Golden Isles. Through the tournament’s charitable initiatives and community partnerships, the event has raised millions of dollars to support children, families, and organizations in need.

The tournament also provides a significant boost to the local economy, attracting visitors from across the country to enjoy the region’s restaurants, hotels, shops, and beautiful coastal surroundings.

For golf fans throughout Brunswick, St. Simons Island, and the surrounding Golden Isles, it is a special opportunity to enjoy world-class professional golf in our own backyard.