Featured Groups: The RSM Classic

The final chance for FedExCup points in 2018 comes at The RSM Classic this week where the PGA TOUR’s best will battle it out in Sea Island, Georgia.

Players balance the lovely surroundings with serious business as they look to head into the holiday break with a full bounty of points to create the solid base for the season. Not to mention the last ticket to Maui for the Sentry Tournament of Champions is on the line.

That is always the best way to bring in the new year.

Tournament host Davis Love III still holds his own amongst the tidal wave of young talent on the TOUR and seeing him break the record for oldest winner would not be a surprise.

He also has been a champion for the Birdies Fore Love initiative which culminates this week.

The top three players who accumulate the most birdies (or better) during the fall will be awarded with $300,000, $150,000 and $50,000, respectively, for charitable donations to children and/or family-focused charitable organizations of the players’ choice.

Gary Woodland’s slender lead of one is under threat given he has his feet up this week. Cameron Champ primed to take over.

The Golf Channel will provide live coverage of all four rounds from 1:30-4:30 p.m. ET. PGA TOUR Radio will air live coverage starting at 11 a.m. ET for each of the first two rounds and at 12 p.m. ET on the weekend.

Here’s a look at the Featured Groups for the first two rounds (Note: FedExCup ranking in parentheses; all times ET).

MORE: Full tee times | Inside the Field

Brian Harman (139) – The former Georgia Bulldog trio begins with Harman who finished in a tie for fourth here last season. This little lefty packs serious punch.
Russell Henley (140) – In four prior starts at The RSM Classic, Henley has three top-10s and has a serious target on the title. Will revel amongst the pro Georgia crowd.
Hudson Swafford (100) – The final Bulldog of the group is out to turn around a so-so record at the event. Just the one top-25 from five starts has this TOUR winner motivated to atone.
Tee times: Rd. 1 (11:00 a.m.); Rd. 2 (9:50 a.m.)

Webb Simpson (106) – THE PLAYERS Champion has never won The RSM Classic but you get the feeling it is only a matter of time. Was runner-up in 2011, and last year was in the mix through two rounds before having to WD to be with his ailing father.
Zach Johnson (NR) – This cagey veteran is an island resident who would dearly love to make it PGA TOUR win number 13 here. First start this season last week ended early so Johnson wants some valuable points.
Jim Furyk (69) – Has just three starts prior in The RSM Classic but his worst result is a T11. Can plot his way around expertly and Mr. 58 is clearly no stranger to going low.
Tee times: Rd. 1 (11:10 a.m.); Rd. 2 (10:00 a.m.)

Austin Cook (89) – The defending champion is one for one at The RSM Classic and intends to continue his scoring average of 65.25 in the event. Was close to Rookie of the Year honors last year and wants more in 2018-19.
Kevin Kisner (NR) – Opened his season with a missed cut last week in Mexico but the former The RSM Classic winner has two fourth-place finishes at Sea Island, and he feels at home here.
Mackenzie Hughes (148) – Rounds out the group of the last three champions here looking to recapture the form that took him all the way two years ago.
Tee times: Rd. 1 (10:00 a.m.); Rd. 2 (11:00 a.m.)

Cameron Champ (9) – Still basking in his win at the Sanderson Farms Championship, this long hitter is a sight to be seen. With 96 brides or better this season, he is sitting second in the Birdies Fore Love race. J.J. Spaun is his nearest rival in the field this week at 90.
Patton Kizzire (109) – A St. Simons Island pro who, quite frankly, is not happy with record at The RSM Classic. Nothing better than a T45 in his four starts leave him agitated and extremely driven to make a big move.
Davis Love III (166) – The tournament host may be PGA TOUR Champions age but he’s still mixing it up with the young stars. Was once the long-drive king and now will see the new long man on campus close up.
Tee times: Rd. 1 (10:10 a.m.); Rd. 2 (11:10 a.m.)