New and Noteworthy at The RSM Classic
Golf in the Golden Isles will once again be on the national stage with the arrival of the RSM Classic at the Sea Island Golf Club on November 13-19. This PGA TOUR Fed Ex Cup tournament hosted by 21-time PGA TOUR winner and 2017 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee Davis Love III is now in its 8th year and is one of the most highly anticipated events in the community. From a name change to an expansion from one playing course to two and the addition of a Saint Simons Food + Spirits Festival partnered tasting event, the RSM Classic just keeps getting bigger and better. And the final round golf has been extraordinary, with some nail-biting shootouts! The Davis Love Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, manages and operates the tournament and has donated more than $7 million to charities that support children and families in need, so no matter who takes home the trophy, this community is the real winner.
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Davis Love III at the 2016 trophy presentation
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2016 RSM Classic Champion
Here are some noteworthy changes and highlights this year:
First and foremost, there’s a new Tournament Director: Todd Thompson. Thompson takes over the mantle of helping to oversee the tournament staff and daily operations of the event from predecessor Scott Reid. Thompson is a graduate of the University of Georgia where he was on the golf team from 1983-1988. After graduation, he served as the Tournament Director for the Georgia PGA prior to starting the Southeastern Junior Golf Tour (SJGT). Now in its 23rd season, the SJGT has more than 1,000 members and administers an average of 38 events annually in six southeastern states.
“The Davis Love Foundation is extremely pleased to have Todd fill this critical role,” said Mark Love, Executive Director of the event. “He has the personality, knowledge and experience to help our tournament continue to be one of the premier events on the PGA TOUR and one that raises important charitable dollars for qualified nonprofits serving children and families.”
Thompson and his wife, Leigh, have two children, Frannie, a senior at Ole Miss, and Davis, a high school senior who has committed to the University of Georgia where he will be a member of the men’s golf team. Thompson says of his new position, “This is a dream job for me, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this prestigious event and to work with the Love family.” He calls it the perfect combination, “I love the game of golf, the St. Simons area and the opportunity to work on a tournament that has already raised more than $7 million for charities.”
There’s a new partner in town too! Mark Love recently made the announcement of a new partnership between the Davis Love Foundation is pleased and BMW for the 2017 and 2018 RSM Classic. He stated, “BMW’s commitment to creating the ultimate customer product and experience mirrors our desire to deliver an ultimate, one-of-a-kind event each year. A partnership with this elite vehicle manufacturer continues to build upon the prestige of our event which positions Georgia’s Golden Isles on a world stage.” As part of the agreement, BMW will be providing 160 ultimate driving machines as courtesy cars for the PGA TOUR professionals at The RSM Classic for the next two years. That sounds like another perfect combination!
Country music singer/songwriter Jake Owen will be headlining the concert presented by
Country music singer/songwriter Jake Owen will be headlining Saturday's concert presented by Southeast Georgia Health System.
Southeast Georgia Health System on Saturday, November 18 at McKinnon St. Simons Island Airport. The RCA Nashville recording artist released his fifth studio album, “American Love,” last year and it debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and #4 on the Billboard 200 chart. He has had six #1 singles to date, with his “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” reaching 2x Platinum anthem status. Other Platinum-certified hits you’re sure to recognize include “Anywhere with You,” “Alone with You,” “The One That Got Away,” and “Beachin’.” Owen has toured with Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, and Brad Paisley, and collaborated with award-winning country artist Chris Stapleton.
“I’m pumped to perform at The RSM Classic in the Golden Isles,” said Owen. “It’s going to be a high-energy performance in a laid-back setting.” Tournament host, Davis Love III, said, “We’re thrilled to bring Jake to perform here. He is a fantastic performer. He also has a Foundation which supports children battling cancer and other childhood diseases. This mission aligns perfectly with the charitable goals of The RSM Classic and our own Foundation.” He adds, “We’re very thankful for the support of the Southeast Georgia Health System and RSM to make this concert for the community possible.” Tickets can be purchased as part of the weekly ticket booklet or in conjunction with a Saturday golf ticket at RSMClassic.com. Individual Saturday golf/concert tickets are $50.
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2016 Wiffle Ball Classic
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RSM Special Olympics BGC event
A sellout debut event returns. A “Taste of the Golden Isles,” co-hosted by the Saint Simon Island Food + Spirits Festival (SSISFS) and held in conjunction with The RSM Classic, was a big hit in its first year and will be back again. The event gives tournament guests and other visitors to the Golden Isles the opportunity to sample and savor some of the finest food available in our region, prepared by award-winning local chefs. “Last year’s event was a great success, and the SSIFSF is looking forward to another wonderful evening,” said Chef Dave Snyder, President of SSIFSF and Owner of Halyards Restaurant Group. “We are proud to work with the Davis Love Foundation to celebrate the hospitality and food the locals create and enjoy. It’s a lot of fun while raising funds for Hospice, a tremendous cause.” Mark Love adds, “Taste of the Golden Isles showcases the best of Golden Isles’ cuisine, beverages, and music for locals and visitors to enjoy on Friday evening after the tournament competition. In addition, it gives the Davis Love Foundation another opportunity outside of the golf tournament to raise funds for a well-deserving charity, Hospice of the Golden Isles.” A “Taste of the Golden Isles” will take place on Friday, November 17 at 5:00 p.m. at the St. Simons Casino. Adding to the lively atmosphere will be music from popular local band Suzy & the Bird Dogs. Proceeds from the event benefit Hospice of the Golden Isles. Tickets for this event are $70 and include unlimited tasting, a commemorative wine glass, live music and a ticket to attend The RSM Classic on Friday, November 17. Guests must be 21 years and over to attend. Tickets will be limited and can only be purchased at RSMClassic.com.
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2016 RSM Shootout
THE RSM CLASSIC SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE:
MONDAY: Grounds closed to the general public. The BMW PRO-AM EVENT takes place on the Seaside Course. PGA TOUR Players have practice rounds all day.
TUESDAY: Grounds closed to the general public. PGA Tour Players have practice rounds all day. THE WIFFLE BALL CLASSIC featuring PGA TOUR Players and Wives will be played at Frederica Academy Baseball Field at 5:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public and is always lots of fun! The Rotary Club of St. Simons Island hosts the “MEET THE PROS" cocktail party meet-and-greet and interview session with some of PGA TOUR pros playing in The RSM Classic. This event will take place in the Mizner Ballroom at The Cloister on Sea Island at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person, include an Any-Day Pass to The RSM Classic, and can be purchased at ssirotary.org.
WEDNESDAY: COMMUNITY/YOUTH DAY – gates open to the public at approximately 7:00 a.m. and admission is FREE! The YAMAHA PRO-AM EVENT will be played on Seaside and Plantation Courses. At 3:00 p.m., the Youth Golf Zone sponsored by Southeast Georgia Health System featuring PGA TOUR Players will take place at Sea Island Golf Performance Center Practice Putting Green. Each year, more than 500 youths from Glynn County Schools, the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia, and other local youth programs attended this program designed to promote healthy eating habits, exercise, and the game of golf. Special activities include an obstacle course, face painting, bean bag toss, and special golf activities designed to introduce youths to the game. The event culminates with a special guest golf clinic for all in attendance.
THURSDAY: ROUND 1 of The RSM Classic is played on Seaside and Plantation Courses. Tee times TBD. Gates open at approximately 9:00 a.m.
FRIDAY: ROUND 2 of The RSM Classic is played on Seaside and Plantation Courses. Tee times TBD. Gates open at approximately 9:00 a.m. At 5:00 p.m., the TASTE OF THE GOLDEN ISLES Food + Spirits Event will be held at the Casino Building in Pier Village.
SATURDAY: ROUND 3 of The RSM Classic is played on Seaside Course only. Tee times TBD. Gates open at approximately 9:00 a.m. It is also MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY with the Bridgestone Folds of Honor Million Dollar Challenge taking place near the main entrance. Saturday evening, Jake Owen will perform at THE RSM CONCERT EVENT sponsored by Southeast Georgia Health System, located at McKinnon St. Simons Island Airport.
SUNDAY: FINAL ROUND of The RSM Classic is played on Seaside Course only. Tee times TBD. Gates open at approximately 9:00 a.m. Trophy presentation takes place on the 18th green immediately following the completion of play.
Daily tickets and ticket packages for The RSM Classic and more detailed information about the scheduled events and player roster are available at RSMClassic.com. There may also still be opportunities to volunteer at the tournament as well. Plan to come out and cheer on your favorite golfers, stroll the beautiful grounds, hear some fantastic music, and be a part of this exciting week that does so much for our community.
