The RSM Classic, held at the Sea Island Resort in St. Simons Island, Georgia, has thrived for 15 years in the PGA Tour’s smallest market. The tournament boasts historic and scenic courses, a strong field for the FedEx Cup Fall anchor event, and the prestige of having World Golf Hall of Fame member Davis Love III as the tournament host. However, Love and his brother Mark, the tournament’s executive director, believe that the key factor behind its success is consistency. This includes having the only title sponsor the tournament has ever had, as well as a dedicated tournament staff, volunteer force, and fan base that remains steady year after year.
One of the primary reasons for the RSM Classic’s longevity is its title sponsor, RSM, which has been involved with the tournament since its inception in 2010. According to Davis Love, many sponsors come and go every five to ten years, but RSM has shown a long-term commitment to the event. The company not only sponsors the tournament but also actively works to help make it bigger and better for the community and charity, forming a close partnership with the organizers.
The tournament’s volunteer base is another crucial element of its success. With over 1,200 volunteers, most of whom come from the Golden Isles area but some who travel to participate, the event has a fiercely loyal support system. Mark Love noted that the volunteer registration process often gets flooded with returning volunteers, making it challenging for new individuals to get involved due to the high retention rates.
In addition to the dedicated volunteers, the tournament staff plays a significant role in ensuring the event’s success. Led by experienced tournament director Tony Schuster and tournament director Todd Thompson, the team works tirelessly to execute the event seamlessly. The Love brothers and Davis Love’s daughter, Lexie Whatley, also contribute to the staff, with Love’s granddaughter Eloise even getting involved in helping out in the merchandise tent.
The involvement of multiple generations in running the tournament reflects the deep-rooted passion and commitment to the event. This family-oriented approach, combined with the support of loyal volunteers and a dedicated sponsor, has been instrumental in the RSM Classic’s thriving for 15 years. The consistency, hard work, and community spirit surrounding the event have helped it become a staple of the PGA Tour calendar despite being located in a smaller market.
