2020 RSM Classic to Hold Tournament Without On-Site Spectators

CHICAGO – (August 24, 2020) – RSM US LLP (RSM) – the nation’s leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market, and title sponsor of The RSM Classic – along with the Davis Love Foundation and the PGA TOUR, announced today that the 2020 RSM Classic will be played without spectators.  The 11th tournament is scheduled the week after the Masters, November 16-22, 2020 at Sea Island Golf Club in Golden Isles Georgia.  All four competitive rounds of the event will be televised on the Golf Channel.

“As we have said from the start, our No. 1 priority remains the health and safety of everyone in the communities where we are invited guests each week,” said PGA TOUR Chief Tournaments and Competitions Officer Andy Pazder. “We appreciate the cooperation of the Davis Love Foundation team, RSM, Sea Island Golf Club, and – of course – the fans of southeast Georgia for understanding why collectively we had to make this decision. We remain very excited to present The RSM Classic to a global audience through our broadcast partners."

“While everyone involved is extremely disappointed that we will not be able to welcome spectators and give them an opportunity to experience the genuine Southern hospitality for which our area is renowned, our team is convinced this is the responsible decision,” said The RSM Classic Executive Director Mark Love. “And, we are excited that we will still have the opportunity to showcase the beautiful Golden Isles and Sea Island Golf Club to an international audience through our media partners. I am extremely proud and appreciative of the work and support of our staff, volunteers and partners as we navigate through these unprecedented times.”

“We have an extensive health and safety plan for screening and testing in place, including a mandatory health questionnaire and temperature readings for everyone onsite each day, as well as COVID-19 testing for players, caddies and personnel working in specific areas,” said Love. “In addition, we will emphasize face coverings, hand washing and sanitizing, social distancing and will implement enhanced cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting protocols in all areas of tournament operations in accordance with best practices.”

While things are fluid based on the COVID-19 environment, currently, the tournament continues to plan to host the Yamaha Pro-Am on Wednesday, November 18 on both Sea Island’s Seaside and Plantation courses.  However, the Pro-Am will not be open to the public, and full health and safety precautions will be in place for players and amateurs alike. Virtually, all other tournament-related events have been postponed until 2021, including all onsite hospitality, the Saturday concert and fan events. 

“Despite the difficult decisions we have made regarding spectators and other tournament-related events, the Davis Love Foundation, along with RSM, remains committed to using The RSM Classic as a platform to help children- and family- focused charities across the nation,” said Love. “Charitable organizations are experiencing unprecedented demand on their services as the pandemic takes an economic and emotional toll on Individuals and families. It remains our goal to have a positive impact on Special Olympics, the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia and other local and nationwide charities through our Friends of Davis Love Foundation, Birdies Fore Love and other creative fundraising programs.”   

“The RSM Classic has been so successful in providing tremendous charitable impact during our first 10 years because of the support of our employees and clients, the tournament’s staff and volunteers and the wonderful people of the Golden Isles,” said Andy Bosman, RSM principal and chief marketing officer. “Even without on-site spectators this year, we know that our firm, Team RSM, tournament partners, the Southeast Georgia community and other supporters will continue to rally around The RSM Classic in new ways. Golf has the unique ability to unite people, and The RSM Classic has been a cornerstone of RSM’s partnership with the PGA TOUR. While 2020 will be different, it certainly will not deter us from the incredible things we can do for the community together."