Vince Whaley, Maverick McNealy share lead at RSM Classic

Field Level Media|published: Sat 23rd November, 16:47 2024

May 30, 2024; Hamilton, Ontario, CAN; Vince Whaley hits his tee shot on the ninth hole during the first round of the RBC Canadian Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Vince Whaley matched the low round of the day with a 7-under-par 63 on Saturday to share the lead with Maverick McNealy at the RSM Classic in St. Simons Island, Ga.

Whaley jumped eight spots to the top of the leaderboard at 14-under 198 with McNealy, who had shared the lead after the first round and carded a 4-under 66 on Saturday at the Seaside Course.

Second-round leader Patrick Fishburn was in a four-way tie for third place at 12 under after his 69. Daniel Berger (63), Michael Thompson (65) and Canadian Mackenzie Hughes (65) also were at 12 under.

Whaley's bogey-free round included birdies at Nos. 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 15 and 18. McNealy had a rougher start with bogeys at Nos. 2 and 4 but compensated with birdies at Nos. 3, 6, 8, 13, 15 and 17. Both are in search of their first PGA Tour victory.

Defending champion Ludvig Aberg of Sweden is tied for 42nd at 4 under after a 1-over 71.

The RSM Classic is the final chance for players to reach the top 125 of the FedEx Cup Fall standings to secure full tour status for 2025. If the tournament ended Saturday, Whaley would leap from No. 113 to No. 64 in the FedEx Cup Fall standings, and McNeely would rise from No. 52 to 51. Nos. 51-60 qualify for the first two signature events of 2025.

--Field Level Media