The halfway mark of the 2025 RSM Classic has shifted the tone of the week from anticipation to consequence. What began as a final stop on the FedExCup Fall has quickly tightened into a race shaped by momentum, pressure, and the realities of Sea Island’s contrasting stages. Across the Seaside Course (par 70, 7,005 yards) and the Plantation Course (par 72, 7,060 yards), the field now confronts two very different examinations of nerve: one exposed to coastal light and wind, the other demanding exact placement through protected corridors. Furthermore, this event carries a $7 million purse, positioning it as one of the most impactful tournaments for players near the competitive bubble. With the first two rounds now complete, players on the edge of the FedExCup Top 100 are no longer looking ahead to opportunity; they are actively trying to avoid losing it.
At the halfway point, 73 players have made the cut in a tightly contested field. Andrew Novak leads the way with a combined score of 14-under par, shaped by a standout 61 on Seaside and consistent approach shots to the greens. Chasing closely are Davis Thompson and Doug Ghim, each sitting at 12-under, eyeing the top spot as wind conditions soften ahead of the weekend rounds. Notably, the average score on the Seaside course so far is estimated at 69.6, a testament to both its difficulty and the caliber of play on display.
Local veterans Brian Harman and Harris English have displayed strong rounds, at 8-under and 7-under respectively, leveraging their intimate knowledge of Sea Island’s unique challenges to remain within striking distance. The cut line was set at 3-over par, eliminating several seasoned players and injecting renewed urgency for those who remain.
The RSM Classic isn’t just a leaderboard contest, it's really a storybook of resilience and career-defining moments. This week, rookies like Johnny Keefer are facing the ultimate test of tour-level pressure after dominating the Korn Ferry Tour. Meanwhile, bubble players such as Karl Vilips are fighting tooth and nail to secure their PGA Tour status. Strategically, players have balanced aggression with caution here.
For many, the difference between a made cut and an early exit is a single putt or decision. These margins spotlight the emotional stakes, where the human element of golf overlaps with technical prowess to create compelling drama.
With two rounds remaining, the tournament’s defining questions are coming into focus:
As the fall series nears its conclusion, Sea Island once again blends strategic complexity with emotional weight. What unfolds over the final 36 holes will resonate well beyond the coastline, shaping careers, calendars, and competitive momentum for 2026.
