Brace yourselves, Florida! The much-anticipated Valspar Championship is set to unfold from March 20 to 23, 2025, at the stunning Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor. The Copperhead Course, infamous for its challenging par-71 layout, will play host to this illustrious event featuring a hefty prize pool of $8.7 million. The top golfer will walk away with a whopping $1,566,000. The course, which stretches across 7,352 yards, is a noted challenge, not unlike TPC Sawgrass. Golf enthusiasts await the thrill of the notorious “Snake Pit” stretch which is known to test even the most seasoned players.
Jordan Spieth, in 2015, navigated this treacherous stretch with three consecutive pars at the 16th, 17th, and 18th holes in the final round, marking a firm victory. The burning question now is whether Peter Malnati can replicate Sam Burns’s consecutive wins. As we gear up for the competition, let’s take a closer look at the top five golfers expected to shine in this year’s no-cut event.
The World No.3, Xander Schauffele, despite describing his initial rounds at TPC Sawgrass as “really bad,” has managed to extend his cut streak narrowly. This year, he’s set to make his mark on the Valspar Championship with his name already gracing the initial field. Despite some evident rustiness following a rib injury, Schauffele’s tenacity has seen him make the cut at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship. He arrived at the latter event boasting a streak of 58 straight made cuts, the longest since Tiger Woods’ impressive run of 142 straight from 1998 to 2005. Schauffele’s grit and ability to grind results despite not being at his best position him as a strong contender for the championship.
Justin Thomas, another formidable player, is known for his affinity for the Copperhead Course – which he has declared one of his favorites on the Tour. With two top-10s in his last three starts at Innisbrook and three top-10s this season, including a runner-up finish at The American Express, Thomas is well-positioned for a strong performance at the Valspar Championship.
Defending champion Peter Malnati, despite his current season struggles, boasts an impressive record at the Valspar Championship. With an average finish of 31st and a 4-under average score across his seven recent appearances, Malnati’s prowess can’t be underestimated. His 2024 victory was marked by impressive performances in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee (4th), SG: Putting (3rd), and driving accuracy, hitting 65.28% of greens in regulation. Despite a shaky start this season, Malnati could use the Valspar Championship as a springboard to regain his mojo.
Jordan Spieth, a past champion of the Valspar Championship, is set to return to the Copperhead Course, where he’s experienced both triumphs and tribulations. His victory in 2015 bears testimony to his ability to conquer the course, but his recent form has been a mixture of hits and misses. As he recovers from surgery last summer, Spieth will be banking on his past experiences to regain his footing at Innisbrook.
Tommy Fleetwood, the final golfer on our list, has an impressive run of form that’s hard to disregard. His recent performances, including an 11th-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and a 14th-place finish at THE PLAYERS Championship, reinforce his status as a formidable contender. With an average score of 7-under over his last five tournaments, Fleetwood is a compelling pick for the Valspar Championship.
Other noteworthy contenders for the 2025 Valspar Championship title include Sam Burns, Corey Conners, Sepp Straka, Shane Lowry, and Will Zalatoris. Given their impressive track records and recent performances, they certainly warrant attention. So, who’s your pick for the championship this year? Let us know in the comments!
