With The Players Championship now in the rearview, attention naturally begins to drift toward The Masters. But before the season’s first major takes center stage, the Valspar Championship offers one final proving ground on the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort.
Though not designated as a signature event, this year’s Valspar field is anything but lacking. A strong mix of major champions and rising stars arrives in Palm Harbor, Florida looking to sharpen their games before heading down Magnolia Lane.
Among the headliners, Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick come in riding momentum after strong performances at TPC Sawgrass, where both chased down eventual champion Cameron Young.
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline belongs to Justin Thomas. After a rocky season debut at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the two-time major winner rebounded with a T8 finish at The Players. Now, he returns to a course that has consistently treated him well, still in search of a long-overdue victory at Copperhead.
Past champions Jordan Spieth and Viktor Hovland also enter the week with something to prove. Spieth continues to battle inconsistency and costly mistakes, while Hovland looks to rein in his driver despite otherwise solid results. Both, however, have already shown they can conquer this demanding par-71 layout when their games click.
Recent winners are adding even more intrigue. Akshay Bhatia and Jacob Bridgeman will each tee it up for a third consecutive week after impressive showings at Sawgrass. They’re joined by a deep supporting cast that includes Patrick Cantlay, Brooks Koepka, Corey Conners and Sahith Theegala—all capable of contending come Sunday.
The tournament runs March 19–22 on the 7,352-yard Copperhead Course, a Larry Packard design known for demanding precision over power. With a $9.1 million purse and one last chance to build momentum before Augusta, the stakes feel higher than ever for a non-signature stop.
Picks to Watch
Winner: Akshay Bhatia (22-1)
Bhatia’s iron play was elite at TPC Sawgrass, and his confidence is surging. After a recent win and a solid showing last year at Copperhead, he looks primed to break through again.
Contender: Matt McCarty (60-1)
His putter has kept him competitive, and if his ball-striking rebounds, he has the tools to climb the leaderboard quickly.
Sleeper: Bud Cauley (75-1)
Quietly consistent, Cauley’s tee-to-green game and short-game touch make him a dangerous under-the-radar pick.
As the Florida Swing comes to a close, the Valspar Championship serves as more than just a stopgap—it’s a litmus test. For some, it’s about fine-tuning. For others, it’s about finding something—anything—before the bright lights of Augusta.
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