Tournament Preview - Valspar Championship

Tournament Preview - Valspar Championship

We stay in Florida but move to outside Tampa for Valspar Championship played at the Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course. Full 144 player field with a normal purse of $8.1m and the winner banking $1.458m. Sam Burns is going for the three-peat. Last player to win the same tournament three straight years is Steve Stricker at the John Deere Classic from 2009-2011.

In addition to the golf tournament, there is a lot of buzz this week on "bifurcation". There are a lot of takes on this and I can argue both sides. To quickly recap, the USGA and R&A voted to have top amateurs and professional golfers play golf balls designed to have 10-15% distance than current golf balls. Some arguments for the change is that historical courses that are unable to expand can be played again, places like Augusta National wouldn't have to keep expanding out their golf holes, the Old Course rounds wouldn't take 6 hours since dang near every Par 4 is currently drivable, and this update wouldn't impact 99% of golfers like us. Definitely get those points. But, on the other hand, many players and manufacturers are against the change. JT spoke on this at his press conference this week. The PGA Tour is kinda hamstrung with this decision, as it can be used against them by being for or against. This update doesn't come into play until 2026 and I'm sure there will be additional updates over the next three years.

LIV Golf tees off this week in Tucson, AZ, if you're interested.

Never a dull moment in professional golf. THIS LEAGUE.

Weather

Weather shouldn't be an issue Thursday or Friday but as you can see below, storms, rain, and a cold front is supposed to come through for the weekend.

The tournament socials can be found here for Twitter, Instagram, and their own website.

ESPN Plus starting at 7:30am ESTGolf Channel starting at 2:00pm EST

The full field was announced on Friday and can be found here. 144 players with a couple big names. Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Justin Rose. Tee times start at 7:40am EST.

• Previous Winners in this week's field:

  • Sam Burns - 2022, 2021

  • Adam Hadwin - 2017

  • Jordan Spieth - 2015

  • Kevin Streelman - 2013

• Notable previous winners absent:

  • Paul Casey - 2019, 2018 (LIV)

  • Charl Schwartzel - 2016 (LIV)

  • John Senden - 2014

Betting Odds provided by Bovada.lv at this link (not sponsored)Some notable players to consider:

• Jordan Speith - +1200 - previous winner and been playing well this calendar year

• Justin Rose - +2200 - already won once this year and has just been so consistent

• Sam Burns - +1800 - going for the three-peat! He obviously knows the course well

• Innisbrook Resort has four courses - Copperhead, North, South, and Island. This week's play will strictly be on the Copperhead Course.

• Larry Packard designed the Copperhead Course. It was built in 1974 and was the second course built at the resort.

  • The course is known as a tough course where ball striking is a premium.

  • Winners have historically scored around 10-under, so I would expect less birdies this week than other tournaments.

• While there are memberships available at the resort, you can stay and play. There are different packages available to play all non-Copperhead courses or one including the Copperhead Course. Costs range from $500 to $1,400, depending on which package you choose, your room at the resort, and how long you're at the resort.

Notes and News

• Phil Mickelson commented on his and other LIV golfers return to Augusta (twitter)

• Bandon Dunes announced their 7th course - a Par 3 with 19 holes (article)

• Update on Tiger's legal situation with his ex-gf (twitter)

Twitter Roundup

May your rounds be filled with #oneputts.