Get ready for the thrill as we preview the 18th edition of the Valspar Championship, hosted at the stunning Innisbrook Resort from 8 to 11 March.
This celebrated tournament, which first tee’d off in autumn 2000, takes place on the renowned Copperhead Course at the Innisbrook Resort. It’s the perfect stage for players to sharpen their skills ahead of the Masters, with an impressive lineup of elite golfers battling it out, including the legendary Tiger Woods. Some top names are taking a breather after the gruelling WGC Mexico event, but the field remains robust and exciting.
When you have stars like Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy in the mix, the excitement levels soar. Rory is itching to regain his form as he aims to clinch the elusive career Grand Slam at Augusta.
The Valspar Championship | 8 March – 11 March | Copperhead Course, Innisbrook Resort
The Copperhead Course, crafted by Larry Packard and opened in 1974, underwent renovations in 1999 and a major overhaul in 2015 to enhance playability. Featuring pristine Bermuda fairways and Tif Bermuda greens, this tree-lined course challenges golfers with its dog-legged holes and plenty of water hazards. Beware the final trio of holes, famously dubbed the “Snake Pit” – a stern test for any competitor.
Adam Hadwin returns as the defending champion, with former winner Jordan Spieth eager to rediscover his best form amid tough competition from Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson, and European stars like McIlroy, Rose, and Stenson. Keep an eye on Tiger Woods as he looks to build on his encouraging T12 finish at the Honda Classic.
Past Winners
2017: Adam Hadwin (-14)
2016: Charl Schwartzel (-7)*playoff
2015: Jordan Spieth (-10)*playoff
2014: John Senden (-7)
2013: Kevin Streelman (-10)
Top Contenders to Win:
Jordan Spieth 17/2 | Rory McIlroy 14/1 | Sergio Garcia 16/1 | Justin Rose 18/1 | Henrik Stenson 18/1
Value Bets
Byeong Hun An – To Win 35/1, To Place 15/2
Though he finished T49 last year, An’s recent form is promising. Rested and ready after a top-five finish at the Honda Classic, his putting has improved tremendously, shown by strong performances at the Phoenix Open and Dubai. He’s one to watch!
Webb Simpson – To Win 40/1, To Place 17/2
The US Open champ may not have won in four years, but recent results suggest a comeback. His top-5 finishes at the Sony Open and Honda Classic, plus his exceptional putting (currently 6th in strokes gained putting this season), make him a tempting pick.
Charles Howell III – To Win 80/1, To Place 17/1
Known for precision iron-play, Howell is a consistent performer at Copperhead with 11 cuts made in 14 appearances and four top-10s. His steady game makes him a strong bet for place markets.
The Man to Beat – Henrik Stenson – To Win 18/1, To Place 39/10
Disregard Stenson’s last outing in humid Malaysia; his form this season is solid with top-10s in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. His recent Copperhead performances (T7, T11, 4th) set him up perfectly to contend again, especially with his fine iron-shot skills.
Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets
