Valspar Championship – historic Norwegian event in Florida
This week, all eyes are on Innisbrook Resort in Florida, where the Valspar Championship is taking place. The tournament on the demanding Copperhead Course is known as one of the more technical tests on the PGA Tour – and this year it has taken on an extra dimension seen through Norwegian eyes.
Norwegian record participation
For the first time in history, three Norwegians are starting in the same PGA tournament - clear proof of how far Norwegian golf has come.
Leading the way is Viktor Hovland, the reigning champion of the tournament. His victory here last year is also his last triumph on the PGA Tour. After a period of varying play, there have been clear signs of improvement in his form in recent weeks – which makes him extra exciting to follow this week.
With fond memories of the Copperhead course, the question is whether he can replicate the success.
Alongside Hovland are Kristoffer Ventura and Kristoffer Reitan. These will have a great opportunity to measure their strength with the world elite, and together with Viktor, represent the increasing diversity in Norwegian top golf.
A path that requires discipline
The Copperhead course rewards precision over length. Narrow fairways, challenging approaches and the infamous “Snake Pit” finish make this a tournament where small mistakes can be decisive.
Snake Pit – the course's relentless signature
The finish on the Copperhead Course is better known as the “Snake Pit” – three holes that decide the Valspar Championship year after year. The name is no coincidence: the course winds through a forested area that has historically been infested with snakes, and the feeling players are left with is that they are moving into something dangerous – where one misstep can be brutally punished.
Holes 16, 17 and 18 are all among the most difficult on the course, combining narrow teeing areas, demanding approaches and greens that demand enormous precision. The final 18th hole in particular, a long par 4, has decided the tournament on several occasions.
What makes the “Snake Pit” so feared is not just its difficulty in isolation, but when in the round it occurs. Players who are in the running for victory must navigate these holes with extreme control under maximum pressure. Statistics also show that many rounds “crack” right here.
In short: You rarely win the tournament in the “Snake Pit” – but you can very often lose it there.
Our favorites in the field
As usual, our tips are highlighted.
Xander Schauffele – Looks to have found his form again. Played solid golf last weekend, and is a natural contender for victory here.
Winner: 11.00
Top 5: 3.00
Top 10: 2.10
Top 20: 1.66
Leader Day 1: 23.00
Matt Fitzpatrick – This is perhaps the most exciting game of the week. Close to victory last week and extremely solid tee-to-green. Fits the Copperhead profile perfectly (accuracy > length)
Winner : 15.00
Top 5 : 3.75
Top 10: 2.50
Top 20 : 1.83
Leader day 1 : 29.00
Jacob Bridgeman – One of the hottest players statistically right now, with top scores and high strokes gained.
Winner : 19.00
Top 5 : 4.50
Top 10: 3.00
Top 20 : 2.00
Leader Day 1 : 34.00
Akshay Bhatia – One of the most underrated players in the field. Winner earlier in the season and very good at iron play – key stat here.
Winner : 19.00
Top 5 : 4.33
Top 10: 2.80
Top 20 : 2.00
Leader Day 1 : 34.00
Jordan Spieth – Creative player who can excel on this type of layout. Looked good at times last week. Has the top level inside, but varies a bit. But seems to be really going now.
Winner : 26.00
Top 5 : 5.50
Top 10: 3.50
Top 20 : 2.20
Leader day 1 : 41.00
Outsiders
Ryo Hisatsune – Top 5 here last year + several strong results recently. Perfect course for his game.
Winner : 29.00
Top 5 : 6.50
Top 10: 3.80
Top 20 : 2.60
Leader Day 1 : 51.00
Tony Finau – Has played several good tournaments this year. Delivered a brilliant first day last weekend. But was far too bad the last part. Can he keep his game together better this weekend. Could have surprised.
Winner: 101.00
Top 5: 15.00
Top 10: 8.00
Top 20: 4.00
Leader day 1: 81.00
What will be decisive?
- Precision off the tee
- Strong iron play
- Avoid keyhole mistakes
- Control through the “Snake Pit”
Our rating
Everything is set for a close tournament. We are especially excited about the Norwegian players, but the focus will naturally be on Viktor Hovland.
With rising form and as the reigning champion, it is far from unthinkable that he can once again get involved in the victory battle – and in a historic Norwegian week, it would be a perfect story.
As with the other tournaments we follow, there will be many games on our odds list during the weekend!
