RSM Classic 2022 standings, ranking: Adam Svensson takes the lead in the final round to take his first win on the PGA Tour

After 70 starts and back on the Korn Ferry Tour, Adam Svensson is officially the winner of the PGA Tour. Emerging from the crowded standings at the RSM Classic 2022, the Canadian confirmed her position in the final event of the calendar year with a perfect 6-under 64 final to beat Sahith Theegala, Brian Harman and Callum Tarren two sticks .

“Right now it’s not even real. I’m so happy. I put in a lot of effort and winning the PGA Tour means a lot to me,” Svensson said while trying to hold back tears. “It’s been a journey of ups and downs. I’ve had my ups and downs, but I continue to believe in myself and here I am.”

Svensson was one of many players holding the lead on Sunday at Sea Island with a total of 16 players entering the final day within three strokes of the lead. Having earned just one birdie in his opening seven holes, it wasn’t until mid-round that the 28-year-old started warming up in the chilly Georgia weather.

Three more birdies in four holes extending from holes 8-11, Svensson scored under 17 and overcame the clubhouse lead established by Tarren. Unable to take advantage of a catchable 15th par-5, Svensson quickly made amends with consecutive birdies on the 16th and 17th to separate himself from Theegala and Harman, who were taking the lead.

“I’m just trying not to make any bogeys today. I didn’t even look at the scoreboard until the 16th. I’m just saying if I don’t make any bogeys, I’ve placed well, so that’s the thing. I did,” Svensson said. “I actually felt pretty good about them [the birdie putts on Nos. 16 and 17]. The match on course 17 that I didn’t think I would make it into and somehow the golf gods allowed it.”

Finishing the tournament under 19, Svensson capitalized on a fiery weekend performance to win his first title on the PGA Tour. Beating 13 birdies and an eagle with just one bogey in his last 36 holes, the 28-year-old will now reap the benefits of going to the winner’s circle.

Rising to sixth place in the FedEx Cup standings, Svensson will also receive invitations to the Tournament of Champions, Player Championship, Masters Championship and PGA. Simply put, for a player who hasn’t entered a major tournament, this win will change his career.

“Two years ago, I decided to give 100 per cent,” says Svensson. “There’s no turning back, I gave up because I went the wrong way. I can say it was a good choice.” Grade: A+

Here is a breakdown of the rest of the standings at RSM Classic 2022

T2. Sahith Theegala (-17): All were preparing for Theegala’s breakthrough as he was a member of the penultimate group and thus avoided the pressure of the final round when he had to rush to the rear. Kicking off a solid start, the 24-year-old will look back on his double bogey on the seventh hole of par-5 as his ultimate downfall. Fighting back with four birdies behind nine, Theegala shared the lead at one point before eventually losing by two strokes to Svensson. Grade A

T5. Cole Hammer (-15): The former Texas standout player had a rough start to his professional career. Nearly missing out on conditional eligibility on the Korn Ferry Tour, Hammer was playing for house money this week when he qualified for the tournament thanks to a sponsor waiver. He made the most of the opportunity and scored the first of many shots in the top 10. With his efforts, Hammer will have a spot starting next year as he is now solid. gold in the field for the Sony Open.

“Pretty pleased with what happened there,” Hammer said. “Yesterday I had a rough start, but fought back. Missed a couple of putts for a long time, but gave myself a chance. Only four comebacks today. , the leaderboards were packed and knowing that a good round goes a long way in some extreme conditions I’m so proud of the way I’ve fought and fought out there. lots of confidence to move forward and leave great taste in my mouth for the season.” Grade A

T5. Joel Dahmen (-15): The 2022-23 season marks the last campaign that Dahmen will be fully exempted from the PGA Tour because of his win at the 2021 Corales Championship. With added motivation and pressure to play well, Dahmen has done it. that during the rotational season. With a T5 at the RSM Classic, he ended his fall with three consecutive top 10 finishes and top 20 of the FedEx Cup standings.

“I was in a pretty good position, I guess I was ahead of the game, but to get more points today is huge,” Dahmen said. “You never want to take weeks off because you always feel like you’re falling behind, but with today’s good results, it’s easier to take a break.” Grade A

T5. Seamus Strength (-15): Not Rory McIlroy, but Power, who will enter 2023 at the top of the FedEx Cup standings. Winning the Bermuda Championship and adding close visits at Mayakoba and now Sea Island, the Irishman has been on captain Luke Donald’s radar for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome while rising to the top of the drag race. PGA Tour season long. As impressive as that may be, but in the future it will be interesting to see if Power can start competing in advanced events where the competition is much stiffer. Grade A-