It’s nearly time for the PGA Tour to head into its winter break. There is still quality golf to enjoy in the coming weeks with the Hero World Challenge and the Presidents Cup but the RSM Classic is the final regular PGA Tour event this side of the New Year.
A number of big names and many who are still looking to make their name on the PGA Tour are heading to Saint Simons Island for a crack at a tournament that has grown in popularity over the years. Harris English is one of those who many will be watching carefully thanks to his recent form. He may well be able to capitalise on his sky high confidence levels to secure a popular win at 30/1 with Coral.
Top Tips
Harris English @ 30/1
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Course Info
Saint Simons Island has been drawing golfers to it for very many years. A large number of PGA Tour stars base themselves in this part of Georgia so there will be, as ever, a strong local contingent in the field. That field will be split over two different courses on Thursday and Friday. Both courses – the Seaside Course and the Plantation Course – are part of Sea Island Resort and both share many features.
They each measure just over 7,000 yards, have multiple water hazards in play and reward accuracy over power. They do differ in terms of feel though with the Seaside Course a links layout and the Plantation Course more of a parkland type track. The coastal wind can be a serious factor at both courses which only adds to the importance that ball control plays in deciding the winner of the RSM Classic.
| Course | Location | Length | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Island Resort (Seaside) | Saint Simons Island, Georgia | 7,005 Yards | $6,600,000 |
| Sea Island Resort (Plantation) | 7,058 Yards |
Recent Winners
The RSM Classic is a much-loved event for several reasons. For many players, it represents a rare chance to genuinely compete for a win on the PGA Tour which visits so many long golf courses. Each of the players in the list of most recent winners earned their success by plotting their way around the Seaside and Plantation Courses, putting their ball in the right portion of the fairways and scrambling for par on the occasions they inevitably missed the tricky greens. The other thing to note from the below list is that three of the most recent editions of the RSM Classic were settled by a playoff with the other two ending in runaway wins for Austin Cook and Kevin Kisner.
| Year | Winner | To Par | Winning Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Charles Howell III | -19 | Playoff |
| 2017 | Austin Cook | -21 | 4 Strokes |
| 2016 | Mackenzie Hughes | -17 | Playoff |
| 2015 | Kevin Kisner | -22 | 6 Strokes |
| 2014 | Robert Streb | -14 | Playoff |
Analysis: Tournament to be Settled On and Around the Greens
Winning the RSM Classic is the perfect early Christmas present for any PGA Tour player. What could be better ahead of the coming break than earning a place in the Masters, the PGA Championship and the Players Championship and ensuring a PGA Tour card for the next two years?
The size of the prize and the high regard with which so many players hold this tournament means that competition for the win is always incredibly high. Any tour player will fashion birdie chances at Sea Island, what separates the best from the rest is the ability to scramble for par after the inevitable mistakes. This is a course that really tests quality approach play and when that doesn’t quite work, it’s a case of chipping and putting well enough to remain in contention. A low score is needed, so putts simply must be holed.
English to Enjoy Home Comforts
Harris English is one of the unusually large number of players who will be able to commute to this week’s tournament from home. The 30-year-old was born and raised in Georgia and makes the most of the world class practice facilities at Sea Island when he’s not competing on the PGA Tour.
English has certainly been competing well of late. His current run of form reads 5-T4-T33-T6-T3 showing that his game is in very good shape. Unfortunately, he’s been unable to capitalise on the strength of his game with a win but his form has not gone unnoticed. Still, English is available at a tempting 30/1 with Coral for the RSM Classic. He does have a mixed tournament record but he’s rarely turned up in such strong form so could be the one the others all have to beat.
Noren Can Make Up for Dubai Disappointment
It wasn’t too long ago that Alex Noren was expected to challenge for the Race to Dubai title. The Swede has fallen some way short of his best golf recently though and didn’t even qualify for this week’s DP World Tour Championship. It’s a case of one door closing and another opening though for Noren who has taken the decision to keep competing and have a crack at the RSM Classic.
Noren will need to do a fair amount of work before the tournament begins to get a feel for the Seaside and Plantation Courses ahead of his debut performance at Sea Island. He may well find that both courses suit his game down to the ground though. At his best, Noren is a world class ball striker whilst his prowess on and around the greens matches up with anybody in this week’s field so his each way chances should be respected at 40/1 with Betfred.
Final Verdict: Harris English to Win
Harris English was a popular pick for the Mayakoba Classic last week. The 30-year-old had a real chance to kick on and win and he can use that disappointment as extra fuel for the fire this week. The Georgia native loves playing in the RSM Classic and has every chance of adding a third PGA Tour win to his CV at 30/1 with Coral.