Imagine sinking a 30-foot putt under immense pressure, knowing it could change your entire career trajectory. That’s exactly what Max McGreevy did at The RSM Classic, and the payoff was HUGE! But here’s where it gets controversial… Did his incredible performance deserve even more? Let’s dive into the story of how McGreevy’s runner-up finish propelled him into the Aon Next 10 and secured him coveted spots in the first two Signature Events of 2026.
Written by Stephanie Royer, this story unfolds on the 18th green of Sea Island’s Seaside Course during The RSM Classic. Max McGreevy found himself facing a nail-biting 30-foot birdie putt. A successful putt would tie him for the lead with Sami Valimaki, who was still on the course a few groups behind. With unwavering focus, McGreevy lined up his shot and watched as the ball rolled smoothly and dropped right into the center of the cup! The crowd erupted, and McGreevy had put himself squarely in contention.
While McGreevy’s spectacular final-round score of 63 wasn’t quite enough to prevent Sami Valimaki from making history as Finland’s first-ever PGA TOUR champion (you can read more about Valimaki’s victory here: https://www.pgatour.com/article/news/daily-wrapup/2025/11/23/sami-valimaki-wins-the-rsm-classic-sea-island-finland-final-round-scores-leaderboard-fedexcup-100), his second-place finish had a monumental impact on his season. It catapulted him from 89th to 60th in the FedExCup standings. And this is the part most people miss… This jump secured him the final spot in the prestigious Aon Next 10, granting him entry into the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Genesis Invitational – two of the most highly anticipated Signature Events of 2026!
“I didn’t even think a second place would get in the top 60,” McGreevy confessed after his remarkable round. He further reflected on his journey, saying, “I haven’t given myself that belief on the PGA TOUR, I feel like, in my three full seasons out here. I don’t know what clicked this last month, but I feel like that belief really, really did change in my mind. I think I can play with everybody out here. My really good golf is really good. I get streaky and I’ve got to get better at that, but no, I’m going to believe in everything that I do.” It’s a testament to the power of self-belief and the impact a single tournament can have on a golfer’s confidence and career.
Here’s a look at the final Aon Next 10 standings at the conclusion of the 2025 FedExCup Fall:
- 51 Sami Valimaki
- 52 Max Greyserman
- 53 Garrick Higgo
- 54 Rico Hoey
- 55 Nico Echavarria
- 56 Aldrich Potgieter
- 57 Chris Kirk
- 58 Aaron Rai
- 59 Min Woo Lee
- 60 Max McGreevy
Colombia’s Nico Echavarria also had a noteworthy performance. Starting the day five shots behind the lead, he surged into the top 60 with three consecutive birdies on holes 12-14. His strong finish (T4) secured him the 55th spot in the FedExCup standings. It clearly shows the drama that unfolded down the stretch!
Nico Echavarria’s clutch performance was highlighted by a precise 152-yard approach on the 14th hole, leaving him just four feet from the pin and setting up an easy birdie. Moments like these are what define success on the PGA TOUR.
“It’s so important to get into those (first two Signature Event starts) and it’s so hard that I’m glad I can play those first two like I did last year,” Echavarria commented, emphasizing the significance of securing those coveted spots. “I’m very glad I battled.”
McGreevy, Valimaki, and Echavarria’s impressive performances came at the expense of other players. Jordan Spieth, Jake Knapp, and Kevin Yu, who all chose not to participate in The RSM Classic, were subsequently bumped out of the Aon Next 10. This underscores the importance of every tournament and the constant competition for position.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Stanford alumni Patrick Rodgers and Michael Thorbjornsen were both in contention heading into the final round. They were projected to break into the top 60 during Round 4, but unfortunately, back-nine bogeys derailed their momentum. Rodgers ultimately finished the week at No. 62, while Thorbjornsen landed at No. 70, highlighting the fine margins that separate success from disappointment in professional golf.
So, what do you think? Did the Aon Next 10 selection process fairly reward performance? Should players who skip events be penalized more severely in the standings, even if it opens doors for players like McGreevy to shine? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!