Sami Valimaki etched his name into golf history on Sunday at Sea Island Golf Resort in St. Simons Island, Georgia, becoming the first Finnish player ever to win on the PGA Tour. The 27-year-old closed with a steady 4-under 66 to finish at 23-under par (259) and claim a one-shot victory over Max McGreevy at The RSM Classic.

The historic triumph came on the strength of four consistent rounds of 66-62-65-66, as Valimaki kept a crowded chasing pack at bay throughout the final day. The victory marked a watershed moment for Finnish golf, a country that has long awaited its first champion on the world's premier professional golf circuit.

Valimaki, a two-time winner on the DP World Tour, had shown signs of a breakthrough all season. He made 17 cuts in 26 starts with three top-10 finishes heading into The RSM Classic, including a runner-up finish just two weeks prior at the World Wide Technology Championship in Mexico. That near-miss proved to be the perfect preparation for his moment of glory.

The significance of the victory was not lost on Valimaki, who expressed his desire to inspire future generations in his home country. Speaking after his round, the newly crowned champion said he wanted to show people that winning from Finland was possible. He emphasized his main goal of growing the sport in his homeland, hoping that young kids and even older people might be inspired to take up the game.

Valimaki becomes the 17th first-time winner on the PGA Tour this season, the second-highest total in a single season since 1983. He also continues an remarkable streak at The RSM Classic, joining Ludvig Aberg and Maverick McNealy as the fifth consecutive first-time winner at the event.

The victory carries substantial rewards beyond the $1.26 million first-place check. Valimaki earned 500 FedExCup Fall points, vaulting him to No. 51 in the FedExCup standings. This climb inside the Aon Next 10 guarantees him spots in the first two signature events of 2026, along with entries into the PGA Championship and RBC Heritage. He also secured a two-year exemption on Tour, providing the stability needed to build on this breakthrough.

Max McGreevy pushed Valimaki to the final hole, finishing alone in second place at 22-under to collect $763,000. Ricky Castillo made a late charge with a closing 62 to claim solo third at 21-under, while Nico Echavarria, Si Woo Kim, and Lee Hodges shared fourth place at 19-under par.

The RSM Classic served as the final event of the 2025 PGA Tour season, and Valimaki ensured it ended with a storybook finish. For a player who had experienced the frustration of two runner-up finishes over the past two seasons, the breakthrough could not have come at a better time.

As Valimaki looks ahead to 2026 with enhanced status and growing confidence, Finnish golf fans finally have their first PGA Tour champion to celebrate. His victory opens the door for what he hopes will be a new era of Finnish golf, inspiring the next generation to believe that they too can compete at the highest level of the sport.