The 2025 Valspar Championship kicks off Thursday, March 20, at the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort in Florida. The field includes star players such as Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, both of whom are looking to secure early momentum as the PGA Tour approaches major competitions.
Jordan Spieth is making a comeback following offseason surgery and has erased doubts about his form with two top-10 finishes in five starts this season. His past performance included a T4 at the recent WM Phoenix Open. Spieth will start his journey in the tournament at 1:23 p.m. ET alongside Justin Thomas and Karl Vilips.
The 2025 Valspar Championship not only brings together these famous figures but also highlights a tough competition, featuring some of golf’s elite, including World No. 3 Xander Schauffele and Tommy Fleetwood. Spieth's recent efforts on the course have shown improvement, but he finished 59th at last week’s Players Championship, despite gaining an impressive 5.322 strokes around the green.
The tournament has a substantial purse of $8.7 million, with the winner set to take home $1,566,000 and 500 FedEx Cup points, increasing the stakes for competitors. Defending champion Peter Malnati will be looking to retain his title amidst a highly competitive field.
Unique records show that several local players are participating, adding excitement for fans. First Coast players include Ricky Castillo, Bud Cauley, and Lanto Griffin, while Golden Isles players consist of Zach Johnson, Will Gordon, and Patton Kizzire.
This year’s Valspar Championship will be broadcast on Golf Channel from 2-6 p.m. ET, starting from March 20 onwards. For digital fans, an exclusive online stream will be available on PGA Tour Live via ESPN+ from 7:30 a.m. ET, ensuring that golf enthusiasts have various options to watch the action unfold.
Notably, the week also serves as a crucial follow-up after a demanding Players Championship, which left Spieth and his fellow golfers with various challenges to overcome. The course is set to reward accuracy and strategic gameplay, making every hole a critical battle for position on the leaderboard. With heavy winds forecasted during the week, players will need to adjust their strategies, especially those who tee off later in the day.
With the Valspar Championship's history of surprising finishes and breakthrough performances, the anticipation is palpable. Golf fans and betting enthusiasts alike will be keeping a close watch on promising odds. Players aiming for solid performances will be Sepp Straka, whose recent successes include a T15 finish in six of his last seven starts, and Tom Kim, recognized for his exceptional accuracy on the course.
The combination of scenic Florida weather and the heightened competition from key players contribute to the excitement, setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament. As the players prepare for their rounds, many eyes will be on Spieth to see how he capitalizes on his experience at Copperhead, where he previously claimed victory in 2015.
In addition to the excitement on the course, betting aids, tips, and predicted outcomes are making waves across golf media, with various analysts offering insights into potential winners. Perspectives vary from finding hidden gems in the lineup to established favorites' potential struggles against the challenging course conditions.
This first round promises to be a spectacle, and with familiar faces and surprise contenders, the Valspar Championship is set to captivate viewers and fuel conversations both on and off the course.
