The RSM Classic Ends with a Playoff and Payoff for Those in Need

Today’s special golf blog post is from John Davitt and Alex Monahan, RSM co-leaders of RSM’s 2016 Birdies Fore Love efforts to raise funds for children- and family-focused charitable organizations through The RSM Classic. Read what John and Alex had to say about their experience at The RSM Classic this year.

Since we began planning for the 2016 Birdies Fore Love (BFL) campaign in May, we have been anxiously awaiting The RSM Classic, and the opportunity to learn and share the grand total of all Birdies Fore Love efforts across RSM.  All of our expectations were blown away, as The RSM Classic was truly a presentation of the firm’s stewardship and impact on local communities.  This year, we had the opportunity to work alongside local office champions and serve as national co-leaders for the Birdies Fore Love campaign.  The successful efforts of RSM leaders, employees and clients, partnering with the RSM US Foundation, resulted in $1,500,000 raised for our local charities!

The RSM Classic experience is an opportunity to interact and build relationships with the community, clients, and colleagues, clients and prospects on a personal basis.  From the moment guests arrive at beautiful Sea Island, they are treated with the utmost service and respect, mirroring the client service experience RSM promises to provide to our clients.  From watching the tournament in a private 18^th green chalet to an intimate Cole Swindell concert of approximately 250 RSM and other select guests, attendees are treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  On top of RSM’s hospitality, Team RSM members Davis Love III and Zach Johnson made several appearances at RSM events to interact with guests.

This year’s tournament was truly a golfer’s dream, as The RSM Classic ended in a five-man playoff, stretching into Monday morning.  Excitement rose to new levels as PGA rookie Mackenzie Hughes prevailed as champion at The RSM Classic, marking his first career win!  We had the opportunity to follow Mackenzie throughout the day Sunday, and celebrated his victory standing mere feet away as he made his title clinching putt.  Each year, The RSM Classic grows into a larger event, and we look forward to seeing Mackenzie Hughes defend his title in 2017. 

Our memorable week was capped off by participating in the Am-Am on the fantastic Seaside championship course Monday following the playoff. We lost a few more balls than the professionals, but likely had more fun!

We want to thank everyone who supported the Birdies Fore Love campaign. We believe that your contributions will be a catalyst for change in our local communities nationwide. We look forward to the 2017 Birdies Fore Love campaign and the future impact RSM will have for children and families in need.

2016 RSM Classic: Sun., Nov. 20 Recap

2016 RSM Classic: Sat., Nov. 19 Recap

2016 RSM Classic: Fri., Nov. 18 Recap

The RSM Classic: Thanking Those Who Serve Our Country

Following yesterday morning’s $10,000 check presentation to Folds of Honor (insert hyperlink) as part of The RSM Classic’s Military Appreciation Day, Round 3 of the tournament got underway under a spectacular Golden Isles sunny sky. Professional play ended with Canadian rookie Mackenzie Hughes in the lead. Hughes, who got married in his only week off this fall, has actually led at Sea Island from his opening 61 on the Seaside course. But, the day is young…

Another highlight: fans who donated to Folds of Honor (a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to children and spouses of those killed or disabled while serving our nation) throughout the day were given an opportunity to participate in a Million Dollar Challenge immediately following professional play. Participants competed in a closest-to-the-pin contest, with 13 finalists qualifying for a one-shot challenge round. While no one shot a hole-in-one and won the million dollar prize, there was no shortage of encouragement from the fans throughout the contest, which sent the finalist who hit the shot closest to the pin home with a grand prize package, which included a stay for two on the island.   

The highlight of the evening: a public concert by country singing sensation Cole Swindell. The crowd gathered at McKinnon Airport for the concert danced and sang along to many of Cole’s more popular songs, while enjoying a few of his newer releases.

Coverage of The RSM Classic continues today on The Golf Channel. Tune in to watch, and to find out who wins the seventh annual tournament.

Making Memories…and Contributions to Those in Need

We were up-and-at-’em bright and early this morning as we teed off Military Appreciation Day here at The RSM Classic with the presentation of a $10,000 check to Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization focused on providing educational scholarships to the families of killed is disabled American military – the heroes who stand guard over our nation’s freedom.

This morning’s early start followed a beautiful day on the course yesterday with Round 2 of the tournament. RSM’s very own Andy Bosman (chief marketing officer) joined Sirius XM Radio’s Matt Adams on air at 7 a.m., ET, to discuss the tournament, and Chief Operating Officer Bill Gorman joined the Golf Channel’s Rich Lerner on air in the afternoon to share a few words about RSM’s involvement in the tournament, following the debut of our tournament public service announcement.
 

After a busy afternoon on and around the course, RSM clients and friends were hosted to an evening reception at The Cloister’s Black Banks Terrace. The highlight of the evening, an auction of a Ryder Cup bag signed by Team RSM members Davis Love III and Zach Johnson. The auction, emceed by RSM US LLP’s Chief Financial Officer Doug Opheim, raised $11,000 for Birdies Fore Love-affiliated children- and family-focused charitable organizations.

It was another day to remember, and we’re back on the course now making more golf memories.

Check back soon for our next update, and for the announcement of this year’s RSM Classic winner. Who do you think it’ll be?  

A “Birdie’s” View of The RSM Classic

Today’s guest blog update is from by Anthony Boucher and Paul Valente, both of whom are based out of RSM’s Boston office and who are co-leaders of the firm’s Birdies Fore Love program for this year. Read what they had to say about their experience at the 2016 RSM Classic.

 

It was early November when Paul Valente and Anthony Boucher (collectively “we”) were informed that we were the winners of RSM’s  large office competition, which was conducted as part of the firm’s 2016 Birdies Fore Love campaign. This meant we were going to have the opportunity to travel to Sea Island, GA and attend the RSM Classic festivities from Mon., Nov. 14 through Wed., Nov. 16. We won this competition by leading the Birdies Fore Love campaign efforts for RSM’s Boston office, which raised $160,000 for Boston-area charities, as part of the firm’s national support of Birdies Fore Love.

When we arrived at the airport in Savanah, one of the first things we saw was a large section of a wall promoting RSM brand. We knew we were in RSM country! From the second we got off the plane to arriving at the Cloister, RSM was everywhere. It was an incredible experience!

Upon arriving at The Lodge on Monday, we were greeted by fellow RSM colleagues, and enjoyed an evening welcome reception, where Team RSM Member Zach Johnson and our Managing Partner and CEO Joe Adams spoke. Following that, our CFO Doug Opheim emceed an auction of an incredible book, Links to St. Andrews, by Joshua Evenson. The auction raised another $14,400 for the Birdies Fore Love campaign! Amazing! RSM just keeps on giving and embracing through action our core value of Stewardship.

On Tuesday, we walked the grounds of the Seaside and Planation courses at the Sea Island Golf Club, where the 2016 RSM Classic takes place. The beauty of Sea Island and the production that RSM organizes for the tournament is breathtaking. That evening, we were fortunate to have been guests of the Yamaha Pro-Am Draft party at the home of 2016 Team USA Ryder Cup Captain and Team RSM Member Davis Love III! We were even lucky enough to meet Davis and get to take a picture with him and the Ryder Cup – an evening we’ll never forget!

Throughout our stay, we were able to connect our RSM core values with all of the wonderful people who participated, as well as experience The RSM Classic while we were guests of Sea Island. It’s amazing to see the impact RSM has on so many families and children in need, and knowing that what we did in Boston was part of a larger effort that all 9,000 RSM employees across the country can be proud of. We are incredibly grateful to have been able to experience The RSM Classic, and we to someday do it again!

2016 RSM Classic: Thurs., Nov. 17 Recap

The RSM Classic: Round 1 Under Our Belt, Round 2 In Full Swing

“RSM understands my business.” That’s quite a testimonial from one of our clients, John Rowady – founder and CEO of Chicago sports marketing firm, rEvolution. This is just one of the positive comments shared by RSM clients this week as they participate in RSM Classic-related activities both on and off the course.

Round 1 of the seventh annual event teed off yesterday as Matt Adams with Sirius XM Radio broadcast live from The Lodge beginning at 7 a.m. Professional PGA TOUR players hit the Plantation and Seaside courses for a not-a-cloud-in-the-sky day here at beautiful Sea Island. RSM US leaders, professionals, clients and guests had their choice of watching the pros or taking advantage of a number of other activities including skeet shooting, playing at the Retreat Golf Course, spending time at the infamous spa at The Cloister. So while many went their different ways during the day, RSM clients and guests gathered at The Lodge for an evening reception, which included a live auction of a magnificent oil painting by local artist Pamela Davis, with proceeds going to children- and family-focused charitable organizations through Birdies Fore Love.

With Round 2 of the tournament well underway, RSM clients, guests and other golf enthusiasts are back on the course watching Team RSM members Davis Love III and Zach Johnson, and other golfing greats compete on what are arguably two of the most beautiful courses on the TOUR. Tune in to the Golf Channel to watch, and check back here for more updates from The RSM Classic.

(Tournament dates have already been set for next year, by the way. Mark your calendars now for Nov. 13 through Nov. 19, 2017.)

2016 RSM Classic: Wed., Nov. 16 Recap

Oh What a Night (and Day)!

At the risk of sounding like a bit of a broken record, we had another BEAUTIFUL day here at Sea Island yesterday (Wed., Nov. 16).

Team RSM Member Davis Love III covered a lot of ground – and not just on the golf course! We spotted him at a press conference and at a separate interview with CNN’s Patrick Snell in the majestic trophy room at The Lodge.

The afternoon ended with a putting contest where groups of Special Olympics and Boys & Girls Club athletes teamed up with PGA TOUR Professionals for a little friendly competition. RSM US LLP leaders served as scorekeepers for the event, and the winning team took home coveted RSM Classic Putting Challenge trophies. All athletes also went home with special Birdies Fore Love Rice Crispy treats

Shortly after the putting contest, RSM clients and friends gathered at The Cloister for an invitation-only acoustic concert by country music singer Cole Swindell.

We also had an opportunity to catch up with one of our “Inside the Ropes” participants to get her thoughts about her experience with private equity clients as part of the Monday Pro-Am. Here’s what she had to say:

As someone who follows the game of golf, this was an incredible experience. From seeing the Ryder Cup, walking one of the most beautiful golf courses in the country to the unparalleled access the world’s best golfers, these were moments I will never forget. Being able to share these experiences with clients makes it even more special.” – Kappy Lang, Chicago

Today, we started things off at 7 a.m., ET with a series of on-air interviews with Sirius XM Radio’s Matt Adams, author of Fairways of Life, and now…we’re hitting the course.

Check back soon for the next update from the 2016 RSM Classic.

It’s (Not) All About Golf

Tues., Nov. 15 was another busy day at Sea Island, as activities related to the seventh annual RSM Classic continue in full swing. A number of RSM leaders talked with Team RSM Member Chris DiMarco on his morning radio show, and Team RSM members Zach Johnson and Davis Love III both participated in the filming of “fireside chats” with RSM leaders. We’ll be sharing those videos shortly following tournament week, and hope you will enjoy the casual conversation and the insights into Zach’s and Davis’s games, thoughts on teamwork, etc.

We also had an opportunity to catch up with a couple of our “Inside the Ropes” participants to get their thoughts about their Monday afternoon experience with private equity clients as part of the Monday Pro-Am. Here’s what they had to say:

“The Inside the Ropes program was a great way to see the success of RSM in action. The RSM Classic further develops our relationship with clients as their First Choice Advisor. I consistently heard the Classic described by clients as a top-notch event down to every detail.” – Ray Ross, Chicago office 

“It was amazing to experience the magnitude of this event firsthand and meet some of the top names on the PGA tour. I felt proud seeing the RSM logo all over Sea Island. But most importantly it was a wonderful opportunity to get closer to our clients and the RSM partners in a setting where everyone was excited and having fun.  I am very thankful for the opportunity.” – Susie Warsal, Baltimore office

The highlight of the day, for both golfers and non-golfers alike, appeared to be the Pro-Am Drawings Party at the home of Davis and Robin Love – spectacular venue and Southern Hospitality at its finest!

Check back regularly throughout the course of the tournament for more sights and insight from The RSM Classic.

2016 RSM Classic: Tues., Nov. 15 Recap

The RSM Classic: A Truly Welcoming Event

We have a number of RSM Birdies Fore Love representatives onsite with us at the 2016 RSM Classic at Sea Island. These individuals were invited as a result of their leadership efforts to raise funds for children- and family-based charitable organizations aligned with the RSM Foundation’s on supporting organizations committed to providing a more stable environment for youth in the areas of hunger, housing and health, which will help them excel in education. Below is a summary from Courtney Hunt, a manager in RSM’s Boston office. Read what she has to say about her first visit to The RSM Classic.

When I first received the call that my husband and I were going to have the opportunity to attend this year’s RSM Classic, I was ecstatic to say the least! So as you can imagine, I had extremely high expectations upon arriving at Sea Island. I am pleased to say, that my experience here did not disappoint and without a doubt surpassed my expectations.

Upon arriving at the airport and traveling to Sea Island, the RSM brand was out there for everyone to see. The first afternoon was spent taking in all of the beauty and hospitality that Sea Island has to offer. On the evening of our arrival, we were able attend the opening reception, in the Spanish Lounge at The Cloister. During the evening, it was clear to see how giving back to our communities’ plays such an important role in making RSM such an extraordinary firm to be a part of. I was truly inspired when I heard the speeches from RSM US Managing Partner and CEO Joe Adams and Team RSM Member and professional golfer, Zach Johnson. It was without question a night to remember.

During my second day on Sea Island, I was able to experience clay target shooting. This was a first for me! Given the fact that I had never held a gun before, Jeff, our instructor, was extremely helpful and patient! It took me a few (well maybe more than a few) tries to hit the target, but once I got the hang of it, I didn’t want to stop! Shooting a 20-gauge shotgun was something I never thought I would do in my lifetime. It was a wonderful experience.

On Tuesday evening, my husband and I were fortunate enough to attend the Pro-Am Draft Party at the home of 2016 Team USA Ryder Cup Captain and Team RSM Member Davis Love III and his wife Robin. It was wonderful to see the impact that Robin and Davis continue to make on lives of so many families in need. They truly share RSM’s core value of stewardship.

I feel so fortunate to have attended the RSM Classic at Sea Island. Everyone was so welcoming and made this experience one to remember!

2016 RSM Classic: Mon., Nov. 14

Teeing Up The RSM Classic at Sea Island

This year’s RSM Classic teed off yesterday as RSM US LLP (“RSM”) private equity clients joined RSM leaders and a number of junior level RSM professionals hit the course for Monday’s Pro-Am. What does it take to be invited to participated in such a fun and prestigious event at RSM? Our “Take One” program provides opportunities for junior level professionals across the firm to have direct interaction with clients. As part of that program, this year, we invited 14 professionals to walk inside the ropes with their private equity clients during the Monday’s Pro-Am. Read what Susie Warsal had to say about her experience:

“It was amazing to experience the magnitude of this event first-hand and meet some of the top names on the PGA Tour. I felt proud seeing the RSM logo all over Sea Island. But most importantly, it was a wonderful opportunity to get closer to our clients and RSM partners in a setting where everyone was excited and having fun. I am very thankful for the opportunity.”

 

 
A highlight of the afternoon was the tournament’s annual Youth Day, where Chris DiMarco entertained children from across the island with a few trick shots, lessons on golf and leadership, and his humor – along with a few signed golf balls, which made several of the children very happy.

The evening was topped off with a client and prospect reception where Team RSM Member Zach Johnson shared personal insights and stories from the 2016 Team USA Ryder Cup with attendees. Following Zach’s comments, author Joshua Evenson was on-hand for live auction emceed by Doug Opheim. Joshua’s beautiful, one-of-a-kind book, Letters to St. Andrews, generated heated (but friendly) bidding among the attendees, and raised a total of $14,400 for nonprofit organizations aligned with the RSM Foundation’s mission of building tomorrow’s middle market leaders through programs that support youth through education, hunger, housing and health.

Today, we’re back on the course, enjoying the beauty of Sea Island, and looking forward to spending time with clients and prospects during this evening’s Pro-Am Pairings Party at the home of Team RSM Member Davis Love III. 

2016 RSM Classic: Sun., Nov. 13

Teeing Off The RSM Classic with A Golfing Legend

Well, it’s here, the seventh annual RSM Classic teed off yesterday with a Pro-Am Pairings Party at The Lodge at Sea Island. One of the highlights of the evening event was a Q&A session with Team RSM Member and 2016 Team USA Ryder Cup Captain Davis Love III, and RSM US LLP’s (“RSM”) Don Lipari, office managing partner – New York and national private equity leader. Members of the audience were also invited to ask their questions of Davis, who proudly held the Ryder Cup trophy, and then posed for pictures with the trophy and guests following questions and answers.

Most of the questions focused on the 2016 Ryder Cup, and elicited responses from Davis about the importance of teamwork when building a winning team, as well as the strategic thinking that goes into creating such a team, highlighting some of the similarities between golf and business. The session was broadcast on Facebook Live. The next RSM US LLP Facebook Live post is scheduled for the morning of Sat., Nov. 19 at 8 a.m. We hope you’ll join us then. In the meantime, you can check here regularly for updates throughout the week, and tune in to the Golf Channel Thurs., Nov. 17 through Sun., Nov. 20 for real-time coverage of this exciting PGA Tour Event!

A Message from Davis Love III

This week’s post is from PGA TOUR Professional and Team RSM Member Davis Love III, 2016 Ryder Cup Captain, host of The RSM Classic and resident of Sea Island, GA, home of The RSM Classic.  

 

2016 has been a whirlwind year, and it’s hard to believe but in just a few short days, we’ll once again welcome thousands of golf fans from around the world to Sea Island for the seventh annual RSM Classic (Nov. 14 – 20).

This year, we are particularly grateful to welcome visitors, following Hurricane Matthew last month. While a number of our neighbors sustained storm damage, the courses and properties involved with the tournament saw relatively minimal damage. The Golden Isles as a whole, however, has done a fantastic job clearing the damage, so our guests can expect to once again experience the natural beauty and top-notch customer service for which our island is so well-known.

This year’s tournament week includes a number of activities for both avid golfers as well as casual observers of the game. Just one of the highlights: a Saturday evening concert featuring Cole Swindell following opening act Matt Rogers. One of my favorite aspects of The RSM Classic each year, however, continues to be the charitable component. Since the tournament’s inception in 2010, we’ve raised $4.8 million for local and national charitable organizations focused on helping children and families succeed – a cause that’s aligned with the Davis Love Foundation, The RSM US Foundation and title sponsor RSM US LLP (“RSM”). I’d like to personally thank everyone who capitalizes on the tournament each year by giving back to the community. Together, we truly do make a difference in the lives of those in need.

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. We’re looking forward to showcasing The RSM Classic and Sea Island on the world’s stage during this annual seaside tradition, and to celebrating RSM’s 90^th anniversary of helping middle market business leaders succeed.

Can’t wait to welcome everyone to the island next week!

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, member of Team USA for the 2016 Ryder Cup (along with fellow Team RSM Member and Sea Island resident Davis Love III) and resident of Sea Island, GA, home of The RSM Classic.  

It’s been seven years since The RSM Classic  came to Sea Island in 2010, but the only “seven-year itch” we’re feeling is for a repeat performance as the tournament returns to the island later this month (Nov. 14 – 20). 

It seems as if it was just yesterday that we welcomed the RSM team, a great field of PGA TOUR players and thousands of golf fans to our home of Sea Island for the very first RSM Classic. This year’s event is now just a little more than a week away, and we’re looking forward, once again, to welcoming everyone back to the island.

The RSM Classic is special. Not just because it’s “at home,” but through The RSM Classic, millions of dollars have been raised for national and local charitable organizations each year. And we’re looking forward to raising even more during this year’s event to help children and families in need.

I hope to see you at the 2016 RSM Classic! We’ll be celebrating “lucky number seven,” as well as the 90^th anniversary of title sponsor, RSM US LLP (“RSM”). They’ve been providing audit, tax and consulting services to middle market business leaders since 1926.

Join us for the fun at Sea Island.

You can follow Zach on Twitter: @ZachJohnsonPGA.