Joyous Times

This past weekend Team RSM Member Davis Love III and his son Dru had a great performance at the PNC Father/Son Challenge! Davis and Dru were part of a four-team playoff Sunday afternoon, and fell just short of their second victory at the event, tying for second. Gottta love those Loves!

This week, things are a bit calm in the world of golf, as the holiday season continues and 2015 wraps up. PGA TOUR tournaments are now finished for the year, and players are celebrating the season with family and friends. We hope you’re able to do the same this holiday season!

And while tournaments have wrapped up for the year, earlier this week the TOUR shared it’s No. 1 shot of 2015 (drumroll, please)…Team RSM Member Zach Johnson’s clutch birdie at St. Andrews! What’s YOUR favorite shot/moment from this past year? Share your comments below.

 

This will be our last post of 2015, as many of us here at RSM US LLP are taking time off over the next two weeks to celebrate the holidays and ring in the new year. Thank you for your continued support of Team RSM and The RSM Classic. We’re looking forward to another great year in 2016, and will see you back here with our next update on Thurs., Jan. 7!

Happy Holidays!

Memories

No doubt about it, Team RSM Member Zach Johnson is a great golfer, but did you know that his caddie, Damon Green, has some great moves! That’s right… the man can dance! We love seeing Damon’s unique “birdie dance” when Zach nails a shot. Take a look – https://www.facebook.com/PGATour/videos/10153046352216330/

Speaking of Zach, he’s in Naples this week for the Franklin Templeton Shootout. His group teed off at 10:55 a.m. ET this morning (Thurs., Dec. 10).  We hope he gives Damon plenty of reasons to “bust a move” this weekend!

For a little #ThrowbackThursday this week, our recent 2015 RSM Classic champion Kevin Kisner became the third winner to grab his first PGA TOUR victory at The RSM Classic just before this year’s Thanksgiving holiday. Additional first time winners from The RSM Classic include Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey (2012) and Robert Streb (2014). Kisner also set a new tournament record of 22 under par with this year’s tournament. LOTS of great memories are being created with The RSM Classic! We’re already looking forward to an exciting 2016 and seeing what new and exciting activities will take place. Be sure to mark your calendar to either join us live or watch all the action during the 2016 RSM Classic (Nov. 14-20, 2016) so you can share in the memory-making!

Check back next week to learn the latest on Team RSM and The RSM Classic.

Welcome Back

Welcome back from the Thanksgiving holiday! Your friends here at RSM hope you had enjoyed some time with friends and family, and we appreciate your checking back in with our golf blog.

This is a calm week for Team RSM.  Zach Johnson is participating in the Hero World Challenge in New Providence, Bahamas and teed off at 11:15 a.m. from tee # 1 this morning (Thurs., Dec. 3). Best of luck, Zach!

With 2015 coming to an end, we’re in the midst of the holiday season. If you live near St. Simons Island or if you have plans to travel there over the coming weeks, check out their holiday sale to find that perfect gift for your golf-loving friends and/or family members. All remaining 2015 RSM Classic tournament merchandise is available at the Retreat Tennis Shop through Sun., Dec. 27. Get your RSM Classic gear while it lasts!

Enjoy the excitement of the season over the coming week, and check back here next week for more on Team RSM and the 2016 RSM Classic (Nov. 14-20). Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss out on next year’s fun!   

Giving Thanks

November 16 through November 22 marked the sixth year of The RSM Classic, and the first year under the tournament’s new name, which reflects the global scope and reach of RSM.  

We are thankful for so much from this year’s tournament. While there are too many to name here, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, we wanted to share a few of the things we’re grateful for from the past week:

·       The 1,200 volunteers who give their time and talents to the tournament each year are phenomenal. Year after year they welcome RSM clients and friends, and golf enthusiasts from around the world to The RSM Classic. We appreciate the Southern hospitality they display to each and every guest.   

·       Despite a less-than-perfect forecast, the weather cooperated for this year’s tournament. We saw some rain Wednesday afternoon, and a few sprinkles after that but, for the most part, Sea Island served up great golfing weather, including a bit of wind and sunshine over the course of the week – just enough changes in the weather to make things interesting – both on and off the course.

·       Team RSM Member and Tournament Host Davis Love III is a wonderful host – attending RSM-sponsored events, greeting our guests and even opening his home for one of the evening events. We thank Davis and his wife Robin for their generosity and hospitality.

·       Team RSM Members Zach Johnson and Chris DiMarco supported the week’s events, as well – playing in the tournament and attending various evening activities. We’re thankful that they’re part of the team, and appreciate Zach’s sharing a bit of golfing history with our guests by bringing the Claret Jug to an evening reception at the Cloister’s Spanish Lounge and by letting it greet our guests at the 18^th green chalet.

·       The staff at the Lodge and the Cloister are attentive and responsive. We appreciate their making sure that our guests feel at home and that their every need is met while they’re on the island.

·       The staff at the Davis Love Foundation are great partners. They work tirelessly each year to ensure that The RSM Classic is a favorite stop among PGA TOUR professionals and their families.

·       We are grateful for the Golf Channel and other media outlets that share The RSM Classic with golf enthusiasts around the world via their broadcasts, articles, radio talk shows, blogs, etc.

·       Last but certainly not least, we are thankful that we share core values with the game of golf and the Davis Love Foundation, and that The RSM Classic provides a platform for our firm to amplify our efforts to give back to the communities where our employees live and work.  

That’s our short list. We are grateful for so many things related to The RSM Classic – this year and every year.

What are you thankful for this holiday season?

Check back Dec. 3 for our next update, and go ahead and mark your calendars now for next year’s RSM Classic to be held Nov. 14 through Nov. 22.

Kisner, Children- and Family-focused Charities Win at The RSM Classic

Today’s update is from Alex Monahan from RSM US’s transaction advisory services team. Alex is based out of the firm’s Boston office, and was co-leader for the RSM US’s Birdies Fore Love efforts this year.

As a golfer, making the trip to The RSM Classic was something I had been hoping do since I was an office champion for the firm’s Birdies Fore Love (BFL) campaign in Boston in 2014. This year, I was provided with the amazing opportunity to serve as one of the BFL national leaders, alongside Teresa Carlin (RSM US national BFL co-leader), and merge my passion for philanthropy with my career at RSM. Working with Teresa and the office champions to reach the $500,000 goal set by the RSM US Foundation was truly rewarding, and the results of this year’s campaign blew me away. The tireless efforts of the office champions around the country, combined with the support of RSM leadership and employees, and our clients resulted in an astonishing $1.2 million being raised for our local charities.

As the culmination of the Birdies Fore Love campaign, this week, my hopes became a reality as I was able to experience first-hand, some of the behind-the-scenes work that lead to an amazing tournament, while also having the opportunity to celebrate the success of Birdies Fore Love. There have been so many highlights from the trip; from presenting the $1.2 million check and observing the annual charity putting tournament, to having the chance to speak with Team RSM Member and Tournament Host Davis Love and others within his foundation about the Birdies Fore Love campaign, and visiting the Golf Channel production truck during its broadcast…it has all been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

It has also been great to get to know many of our clients, potential clients and firm leadership.  Many of the guests I spoke with were so impressed with the hospitality and caliber of the week’s events, and I couldn’t agree more. Whether it was the RSM Chalet at the 18^th green, the evening receptions or the two concerts (Hootie and the Blowfish and Martina McBride), everything was absolutely top-notch.

Unfortunately, yesterday was the final day of the Classic, but it was  
so much fun to see a first-time winner, Kevin Kisner, take home the trophy. My wife, Julie and I followed Kevin and his group around for a few holes on Sunday, and you could tell that he was zoned in and that he was not about to give up the lead that he had coming into the final day. His focus led to a tournament record 22-under. As I get ready to play in the Am-Am on the same course Kevin just went 6-under on the day before, I can only hope I shoot under 100!

Thank you again to all of those who contributed or supported the Birdies Fore Love campaign and made this year such a success. I’m looking forward to helping increase the impact that we have in our communities even more next year!

2015 RSM Classic - Sunday, Nov. 22 Recap

2015 RSM Classic - Saturday, Nov. 21 Recap

Golf + Martina McBride = Fun for RSM Clients and Friends

Today’s golf blog update is from John Davitt, an RSM US tax senior associated based out of the firm’s Rockford, IL office. John traveled to Sea Island for The RSM Classic as part of his role with the firm’s Birdies for Love program.   

After wrapping up our firm’s Birdies Fore Love fundraising campaign for 2015, I was eager to experience The RSM Classic first hand at Sea Island, GA. Saturday morning, we were very excited to leave the eight inches of snow in Chicago for the southern comforts of Sea Island. I brought my wife Alison, and was eager to show her the culture of RSM. 
 

Upon arrival, we were greeted with the beautiful landscape of Sea Island, with all The RSM Classic signs and decorative touches enhancing the beauty of the island is this RSM employee’s mind. After entering the lobby of The Cloister, all of our expectations were far exceeded. The hotel staff was beyond accommodating, and it seemed that every detail of our stay had been well thought out by the RSM team.  We felt surrounded by a gracious community of employees and guests. And appreciate now having first-hand knowledge of how our firm’s clients and potential clients are treated as part of their RSM Classic experience.   

Saturday evening, we attended a concert by Martina McBride. She put on a fantastic show, which was enjoyed by all. The concert also gave us an opportunity to interact with other RSM employees and their guests. The hospitality that our firm extends to clients and guests is a true reflection of the culture of RSM – we truly do understand our clients, and strive to always provide them with first-class experiences. And the charitable component of the tournament, the concert and other related activities is a perfect display of RSM’s values of excellence and stewardship. 

Today, is the final round of the 2015 RSM Classic. We are eager to watch as Kisner, Chappell, and McDowell play at the top of the leaderboard in efforts to be this year’s winner. Although the unfolding of the tournament is exciting, the real celebration is the impact that RSM has had in 2015 in changing lives across all communities. We are very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the 2015 RSM Classic, and would encourage everyone to attend and support this event in the future. It’s a great way to give back to the community, while also having fun.

2015 RSM Classic - Friday Nov. 20 Recap

Teeing It Up at The RSM Classic

Yesterday was Round 2 of The RSM Classic on the Seaside and Plantation courses at beautiful Sea Island. After a couple of days of touch-and-go weather, the day was a beautiful, sunny 70-degree day, with a slight breeze that added a bit of interest to play.

After the tournament wrapped up for the day, RSM clients and friends gathered at the Cloister’s Black Banks Terrace for a bit of fun and fellowship and to hear a few comments from PGA TOUR Professional, Team RSM Member and Tournament Host Davis Love III, and RSM US Managing Partner and CEO Joe Adams. One of the highlights of the evening was a special fireworks display to celebrate the recent launch of tournament title sponsor’s new name, as well as the name change of the tournament itself. It was a colorful way to cap off the evening.  

Today marks Round 3 of the 2016 RSM Classic, with play continuing on the Seaside Course. RSM clients and friends teed off the day with an optional golf outing at the Retreat course, and a number are taking advantage of clay target shooting at the Sea Island Shooting School (a new option for RSM guests this year). This evening, singing sensation Martina McBride will entertain RSM clients and friends, as well as island residents with a public concert at McKinnon Airport.

Check back tomorrow for the next update from The RSM Classic.

RSM US PSA

2015 RSM Classic - Thursday, Nov. 19 Recap

Numbers Tell the Story

Today’s golf blog update is a guest post by Teresa Carlin, a project manager in tax consulting services for RSM US, and the firm’s national Birdies Fore Love leader. Teresa is based out of the firm’s Washington, DC office. She participated in this year’s RSM Classic activities as part of her role with Birdies Fore Love.

$1.2 million dollars raised by RSM US employees, partners, families and friends our firm’s 80+ offices nationwide for more than 70 very deserving local and national charitable organizations as part of the RSM Classic’s Birdies Fore Love program this year. I’m blown away by these numbers. But maybe I shouldn’t be because, although we deal with numbers every day as an audit, tax and consulting firm, these numbers really reflect what RSM is all about – stewardship.

The 2015 RSMClassic marks my second year at the tournament in return for leading our firm’s Birdies Fore Love program. I continue to be impressed by the focus on stewardship and charity at the tournament, along with all of the fantastic golf, musical performances, accommodations at Sea Island Resort and countless other events. Wed., Nov. 18, we had the pleasure of watching the annual charity putting tournament, where children from the local chapters of Boys and Girls Club, along with Special Olympics athletes, paired up with PGA Tour Professionals and RSM US executives to have a little fun and show off their golf skills. It is so fun to watch this interaction and see the kids have such a great time.

That evening, we attended a surprise private musical performance with one of my all-time favorite bands, Hootie & the Blowfish. I blogged last year about how they were actually my very first concert, so it was cool to see them reunite, and in such an intimate setting at the Cloister lobby. We had a great time watching the concert and catching up with a number of colleagues, including my Birdies Fore Love co-leader Alex Monahan and our Irvine office champion, Kelli Gural. One of the best things about The RSM Classic is being able to spend time with co-workers, firm leaders and clients from across the country and around the world in a fun and relaxed setting.

Thurs., Nov. 19, Alex and I had an early morning radio interview with Sirius XM Radio’s Matt Adams about the success of our firm’s Birdies Fore Love efforts. Matt was super friendly and fun to chat with, and that interview marked both of our first on-air experiences. We followed up with some great golf watching and hanging out at the RSM hospitality chalet, which was nice because it gave us a warm, dry place to avoid the day’s on again, off again, rainy weather. A reception at the Lodge that evening made for another fantastic evening, with Team RSM member Chris DiMarco sharing a few words about his partnership with RSM with the group.

I’m so proud, thankful and happy to be at Sea Island to mark the end of another successful Birdies Fore Love program, and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the future!

2015 RSM Classic - Wednesday Nov. 18 Recap

Oh, What a Night!

Today’s golf blog update is a guest post from Kelli Gural, a manager in RSM US’s West Region consulting report processing team. Kelli is based in the firm’s Irvine, CA office, and attended the tournament as part of her role in the firm’s Birdies Fore Love program.

What a unique experience! Going into my first year attending The RSM Classic, I had a lot of people offering advice and experiences, but no real idea of what to expect. I kept hearing about the hospitality, the presence of RSM, how spectacular it all would be—and I admit, I thought it couldn’t possibly live up to the hype. But it does!

Flying in from California, I arrived on Sea Island at about 5 p.m., ET, at the end of the days’ festivities and amidst some unfortunate weather. Upon arrival, I was told about the change of venue for the evening’s “special concert.” Special concert? I was curious. Was this Joe Adams (our managing partner and CEO) singing karaoke? The evening seemed shrouded in mystery. After check-in and settling into our luxurious room at the Cloisters, I made my way to the reception and the concert.

Any disappointment that I might have had about missing the Saturday evening Martina McBride concert because I’ll be leaving the island before then, was washed away by a private performance by Darius Rucker and Hootie and the Blowfish! As a Hootie and country music fan, I was in awe. The concert was intimate and, in spite of the rain that forced the concert to an indoor vs an outdoor venue, the concert was fabulous – maybe even better than it would have been outside! As I looked around the room at the representatives of RSM, our clients, and Classic attendees, I couldn’t help but feel that I was incredibly privileged to be in attendance at such an amazing event.

The excitement of the rebrand to RSM was shared through meeting with clients and RSM personnel from around the country. And for me personally, it was a pleasure to finally meet with Teresa Carlin and Alex Monahan, the national Birdies Fore Love leaders whom I have worked with closely over the past few months of the Birdies Fore Love campaign.

After being here a short time, I am excited about being an honorary observer at The RSM Classic on Thursday, and to seeing what else the following days have in store!

One for the Books!

Today’s blog update is from Neo Mulenga, an RSM US tax associate based out of the firm’s Irvine, CA office. Neo was able to attend this year’s RSM Classic, as part of her role as a Birdies Fore Love representative.

When I first got the news that I would be representing the Irvine office, at The RSM Classic this year, I was really excited, so I started asking around about what to expect. My colleagues who have been here, all said I was going to have a good time. That was an understatement. Everything related to the RSM Classic is absolutely amazing – from the car service from the airport right to the hotel. The RSM brand is everywhere. And it’s evident how much giving back to the community means to our firm, and to the residents of Sea Island. I went to the grocery store, and when I told the cashier I worked for RSM, she couldn’t hide her excitement. She even called her supervisor over to meet me.

The welcome reception at the Cloister (where my hotel room is larger than my entire apartment back in California!), will go down in my books as a night to remember. Seriously, I met RSM US Managing Partner and CEO Joe Adams, Professional Golfer and Team RSM Member Zach Johnson and Willie Robertson from TV’s Duck Dynasty – and yes, I have pictures to prove it! All three were incredibly nice. Also, I don’t know if many people know this, but Zach could easily pass for comedian. He had the rest of the room in stiches about his experiences as a golf champion.
 

I also got a chance to try a little clay skeet shooting while on the island. I’ve never held a gun before, but the instructors were really good, and in the end, I was able to shoot eight out of 10 moving targets. That experience – well, actually the entire experience – will also go in my book as things to remember. I truly feel blessed to be part of an amazing company such as RSM.

My last evening on the island, my husband and I attended the Pro-am draw party at Davis Love III’s home – what a beautiful house, and what a wonderful family! They came to meet and greet us, and briefed us about the work they’ve been doing for children and families in need.

I want to thank everyone who is a part of this event, and for the welcoming southern hospitality of all of the tournament volunteers who make it such a successful event!

2015 RSM Classic - Tuesday Nov. 17 Recap

Trip of a Lifetime

Today’s update is a post by Jackie Sullivan, tax senior associate, with RSM US. Jackie works out of the firm’s Naples, Florida office, and attended the first few days of this year’s tournament as RSM US Birdies Fore Love representative.

As soon as I discovered that I had won a trip to The RSM Classic, I knew it was going to be the trip of a lifetime. I had no doubt that The Classic was going to be an unbelievable event. As an RSM US employee who works extensively with private clubs, I know firsthand that the industry has a tendency toward high-end client goods and services, which is exactly what I witnessed while attending The RSM Classic. This event’s incredible reputation, coupled with the excitement surrounding the recent re-branding of RSM had my expectations running high. Even with high expectations, I was blown away each time I encountered something new. It was so thrilling seeing RSM signs as I drove through Sea Island on my way to The Cloister, the magnificent hotel where my guest and I were staying.

During our first day on the island, we spent some time exploring The Cloister, which spectacular! The beauty of the hotel and the friendliness of the staff are beyond words. After exploring this wonderful hotel, we went over to The Lodge which is where the RSM Classic is taking place. We took a tour of the area which included the 18^th Hole Chalet, the RSM merchandise tent and the tournament leaderboard. RSM truly went above and beyond to make this event fantastic. They even had a floating RSM sign in the lake at the 18^th Hole!

The first night, we went to a lovely reception at the hotel and were introduced to Zach Johnson, Joe Adams (managing partner and CEO for RSM US), Bill Gorman (COO for RSM US), and even two of the Duck Dynasty family members. We were awed by the fact that we were able to meet the important people who lead our firm. I enjoyed telling the other attendees that I was here because my office won the Birdies Fore Love (BFL) challenge, as well as informing them of how BFL helps support local charities. As a BFL office champion, it was amazing to see all of the hard work RSM does for such an amazing event that also helps local charities throughout the country. I was even told by our office’s charity, Barbara’s Friends, that they are extremely impressed and appreciative of our firm’s efforts and stewardship. It is truly amazing to see what our firm can do collectively. We are really making a difference, and it is so rewarding to be a part of that mission.

On the second day at Sea Island we played a round of golf at the Ocean Forest Golf Club with Don Lipari, office managing partner for RSM US’s New York office, and Nigel from the UK office. We had such a great time playing with these two, and even received a few golf tips from them! We probably could have used more than a few tips, but we had plenty of fun and were lucky to play a gorgeous course we otherwise would never have had the opportunity to play. We are so excited for the rest of our trip and our upcoming visit to Davis Love III’s house tonight for the Pro-Am draw party. We are so thankful and fortunate to have these opportunities with this journey of a lifetime! 

2015 RSM Classic - Monday Nov. 16 Recap

We're Here!

The working team for the 2016 RSM Classic arrived on site this past weekend, and tournament-related activities began yesterday evening with a reception and pro-am party for private equity clients at The Lodge.

One of the most exciting things from the evening was when Team RSM Member Davis Love III announced to attendees that his son Dru will make his PGA TOUR debut at this year’s RSM Classic, after earning a sponsor exemption. Dru plays for Alabama and won the Puerto Rico Classic this year. He also wont the Georgia State Amateur Championship on the Seaside Course at Sea Island, the main course for The RSM Classic, which is being held on two courses this year (Seaside and Plantation).

Today, RSM US clients are enjoying the Pro-am with sunny 70-degree weather. It’s a beautiful day to be at Sea Island…and at The RSM Classic!

Check back in with us daily throughout tournament week for more updates – most of which will be by RSM US Birdies Fore Love representatives – and for daily video updates so you can watch highlights from the event.

A Message from Davis Love III

This week’s post is from PGA TOUR Professional and Team RSM Member Davis Love III, winner of the 2015 Wyndham Championship, host of The RSM Classic and resident of Sea Island, GA.

It’s hard to believe but in a few short days, we’ll begin welcoming thousands of golf enthusiasts from around the world to Sea Island for the sixth annual RSM Classic (Nov. 16 – 22). This year’s event will include a number of changes, with perhaps the most visible being a change in the tournament name. The RSM Classic will support our title sponsor’s new brand, RSM, which reflects the global nature of the audit, tax and consulting services they provide to middle market businesses across the globe. 

It’s an exciting time for the island as we finalize preparations for this year’s event, which will highlight some of the game’s greatest players. Before the tournament begins, though, many PGA TOUR professionals are gathered this week in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. While players participating in that tournament will have a 2,718-mile commute to Sea Island for “our” tournament, they will join RSM friends and clients and other golf enthusiasts from around the world for The RSM Classic. We’re expecting visitors not only from the U.S. and Mexico, but from Germany (approximately 4,640 miles away), Australia (10,265 miles), Singapore (10,155 miles) and India (8,620 miles) this year, so it’ll be a truly international event!    

We’re looking forward to highlighting and showcasing Sea Island on the world’s stage during the 2015 RSM Classic! I hope to see you at “my place!”   

 

You can follow Davis on Twitter: @Love3D.

A Message from Zach Johnson

This week’s post is from PGA TOUR Professional and Team RSM Member Zach Johnson, winner of the 2015 Open Championship and resident of Sea Island, GA, home of The RSM Classic, formerly The McGladrey Classic). Adding to his impressive list of accomplishments, Zach, an Iowa native and Hawkeyes fan, joined the team recently as an honorary captain. 

Quite a few of your favorite golfers including Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and defending champion Bubba Watson, are playing this week in the WCG-HSBC Champions at the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai, China (Nov. 5 – 8). So while many eyes from the golf world are focused nearly 8,000 miles away, I’m already thinking about Sea Island because in a few short days, the eyes of the golf world will be focused on the island, as The RSM Classic tees off the week of Nov. 16.

It seems as if it was just yesterday that we excitedly gathered at beautiful Sea Island for the first ever McGladrey Classic in 2010. Fast forward five years, and we’re just as excitedly welcoming everyone back for the sixth annual event – one that has welcomed professional golf to the island, only enhancing the sentiment of Sea Island being a well-known and desirable golfing destination.

And this year is just as special as the first. To begin, there are lots of changes underway for this year’s tournament, including the expansion to two courses (Seaside and Plantation), a performance by country music great Martina McBride (on a new night – Saturday rather than Wednesday – of the tournament and at a different venue – McKinnon St. Simons Island Airport this year) and a name change. When golf fans arrive at Sea Island later this month, they’ll see new signs welcoming them to The RSM Classic. The name change mirrors our title sponsor’s new brand, which better reflects RSM US LLP’s global reach in serving middle market clients. 

This tournament is special – not just because it’s “at home” for me, but because, through the event, hundreds of thousands of dollars are raised for national and local charitable organizations. In fact, the 2014 tournament raised more than $930,000, bringing the five-year total raised for children- and family-focused charitable organizations to more than $2.7 million.

I’m proud to be a part of The RSM Classic, and to wear the RSM logo, and I hope to see you at Sea Island later this month!

You can follow Zach on Twitter: @ZachJohnsonPGA.
 

In One Week’s Time…

…we will officially be The RSM Classic! That’s right, we’re officially changing the name of our tournament to The RSM Classic, to align with our firm’s new name. We’re looking forward to another exciting tournament, and are continuing to add more great names to our 2015 Player Field. We’ve added a second course this year, which will provide even more beautiful views for players and fans, and our headline entertainer will be Martina McBride Sat., Nov. 21. One thing that won’t change: the tournament’s focus on giving back to the community, including the lively and highly rated charity putting event on Wed., Nov. 18. And these are just a few of the activities that will be happening tournament week (Nov. 16 through Nov. 22) at Sea Island. We hope you’ll join us for the sixth annual tournament, and the first one as The RSM Classic!  

Our tournament name isn’t the only thing changing. Every four years the Rules of Golf are revised to keep up with the different changes and advancements in the game. Stay ahead and learn about the most significant changes in the 2016 edition of the Rules. Another change, last month, the PGA TOUR updated its prohibited items list. If you're attending this year's tournament, make sure you review the list in advance so you'll have 'smooth sailing' when entering the grounds.

 

#DidYouKnow - All youth 17 and under are admitted FREE to the tournament grounds (but not the concert grounds) when accompanied by a paid adult, Wed., Nov. 18 through Sun., Nov. 22.

Another positive change: The tournament continues to grow in size and stature. With that, our need for volunteers grows, as well. Interested in volunteering? Sign up here. We’d love to see you on the island!

Before closing, we’d like to make sure our readers are aware of a recent interview with RSM US Chief Finance Officer Doug Opheim and Chris DiMarco on The Golf Channel’s Morning Drive, where they talked about Chris’ “Norma DiMarco Tee Up For Life” charity event and the support RSM provides. You can watch the interview here.

Check back next week to learn what’s happening with the tournament and for additional details about its name change.

Tournament Favorites

This week, Team McGladrey Member Davis Love III is in Las Vegas for the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. With an early start at 7:23 a.m. PT, Davis teed off from tee No. 10. Best of luck this week, Davis!

Speaking of kids, each year at The McGladrey Classic (soon to be The RSM Classic), PGA TOUR professionals team up with Special Olympics of Coastal Calibri athletes and Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Calibri members to play in a Charity Putting Challenge on an obstacle course designed by the Sea Island Golf Performance Center. Executives from title sponsor McGladrey (soon to be RSM) keep track of scores for each team. The event is consistently rated one of the best interactive charity events on TOUR and we’re looking forward to this year’s event on Wed., Nov. 18!

With this year’s tournament just a few weeks away (Nov. 16 – 22), you might want to check out The McGladrey Classic website. You can find the tournament schedule of events, purchase your tickets and learn lots more about this Seaside Tradition! This year, we’re mixing things up a bit with the concert date, featuring none other than Martina McBride, who will be performing on Sat., Nov. 21 from the McKinnon Airport. We are beyond excited, and plan to hit the ground running next month at Sea Island! Be sure to follow us on Facebook (McGladrey Classic), as we’re sharing photos and videos now and throughout the tournament.  

Finally, here’s a little Thursday fun for you: Can you spot the five differences between these two photos? List them in the comments below. Good Luck!

It’s Almost Tournament Time!

We’re one short month away from the start of the sixth annual McGladrey Classic (soon to be The RSM Classic)!

As the tournament gets closer, the 2015 player field continues to grow. Competing for a $5.7 million purse, 156 PGA TOUR professionals will tee off on the Seaside and Plantation Courses at Sea Island Golf Club. After two rounds of play, the field will be cut to 70 players (+ties) who will play Seaside. We’re excited that all previous McGladrey Classic champions – Heath Slocum (2010), Ben Crane (2011), Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey (2012), Chris Kirk (2013) and Robert Streb (2014) – will all be participating in this year’s tournament. The field is still growing but, at this point, some of the other familiar names you’ll see this year include six major champions: Angel Cabrera, Stewart Cink, Jason Dufner, Team McGladrey Member Davis Love III, Graeme McDowell and Vijay Singh. Check out the current player list on McGladreyClassic.com!

Speaking of The McGladrey Classic, we’re still seeking volunteers in three primary areas critical to efficient tournament operations: marshals, laser operators and standard bearers. If you’re interested in helping make this year’s tournament a success, click here! Not interested in volunteering? You can enter to win a trip to the 2015 McGladrey Classic by sharing your favorite golf memory with us. Click here to enter!

#‎DidYouKnow – Team McGladrey Member Zach Johnson played The Presidents Cup with a record of 3-0-1 and has a career President’s Cup record of 10-6-1. He was awarded one of only two A+ grades by Global Golf Post for his playing in Korea. He had a big partnership with Phil Mickelson and also took down Jason Day in their singles match this year. Phenomenal playing, Zach!

#‎DidYouKnow - You can upgrade your daily ticket (on-site) with a $20 donation to the Davis Love Foundation, which allows you spend some time in the new Mellow Mushroom Chill Club located between the 16th and 17th holes on the Seaside Course. Learn more about what this upgrade include here.

Check back next week to learn the latest on Team McGladrey and the 2015 McGladrey Classic (Nov. 16-22).