Finland Finally Breaks through

Sami Valimaki captures first Finnish PGA Tour victory while Jeeno Thitikul shatters Annika’s 23-year-old scoring record

November 25, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

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November 25, 2025

SUB 60 HEADLINES

History was made at Sea Island as Sami Valimaki became the first Finnish golfer to win on the PGA Tour, capturing The RSM Classic with a one-stroke victory at 23-under par. The 27-year-old held off Max McGreevy’s Sunday charge to pocket $1.26 million and secure his place among the sport’s elite.

Valimaki’s path to victory wasn’t your typical golf success story. After serving mandatory military service in Finland—including two weeks surviving in a forest tent at -20°C temperatures—the Helsinki native showed mental toughness when it mattered most. His crucial birdie on the par-5 15th, made possible by reaching the green in two with his “mini driver,” sealed the deal.

The emotional celebration featured Valimaki kissing his putter before embracing three friends who flew in from Helsinki wearing custom green-and-orange “Sami” polos.

But the RSM Classic delivered heartbreak alongside history. Lee Hodges finished 101st in the FedEx Cup Fall standings after missing a 10-footer on 72 that would’ve saved his card—he fell short by just two points. Tour veterans felt the sting of the new top-100 threshold: nine-time winner Matt Kuchar lost his card for the first time in 19 years, while two-time major champion Zach Johnson and fan favorite Kevin Kisner also fell outside the number.

RECORD-BREAKING PERFORMANCE

Jeeno Thitikul didn’t just defend her CME Group Tour Championship title—she rewrote LPGA history. The 22-year-old Thai superstar finished at 26-under and claimed the $4 million first prize, but the real story was her season-long brilliance. Thitikul’s 68.681 scoring average broke Annika Sorenstam’s 23-year-old record (68.697 from 2002) by the slimmest of margins—her final birdie on 18 was necessary to break it.

The victory capped a dominant season that saw Thitikul earn a record $7.58 million and capture both the Rolex Player of the Year Award and her second consecutive Vare Trophy. She becomes only the second player to win back-to-back CME titles, joining Jin Young Ko.

LOOKING AHEAD

Professional golf takes a rare breather this week with no major tour events scheduled. The PGA Tour returns December 4-7 for Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, featuring Scottie Scheffler chasing an unprecedented third consecutive title. Tiger won’t play while recovering from Achilles surgery.

SOCIAL OF THE WEEK

Nelly Korda’s 136-yard hole-out eagle from a fairway bunker Sunday at CME went absolutely viral. Her caddie Jason McDede’s scream was so loud he “scared the cameraman.” Despite finishing winless in 2025, the shot reminded everyone why Korda won seven times in 2024. 🦅

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WINNERS FROM LAST WEEK: CORE FORE

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OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKINGS: TOP 60

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