PALM CITY, Fla. - The 2025 Valspar Collegiate Invitational kicked off at the Floridian Golf Club on March 24 with a thrilling display of talent as the No. 14 Florida State men's golf team aimed for a top spot in the prestigious tournament. The event, part of a 54-hole collegiate invitational that began with 36 holes on Monday, included some of the most formidable teams in collegiate golf.
The competition witnessed Florida State positioning itself in fifth place following a strong performance. Luke Clanton, the reigning champion and ranked No. 1 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Rankings, delivered an impressive score of 66 in the first round, followed closely by Tyler Weaver with a score of 69. After the second round, Clanton found himself tied for fifth place, sitting at 7-under, showcasing his determination to defend his title.
Gray Albright and Jack Bigham contributed to the team’s effort, finishing tied for 27th with a score of 1-under following rounds of 73 and 68, respectively. Albright's performance in the second round was notably strong, as he shot a 68, while Bigham followed with 69.
The other competitors included some of the top-ranked teams in college golf, with Texas leading the field by a commanding margin. After rounds of 271 and 272, the No. 2 Texas Longhorns topped the leaderboard at 25-under, surpassing a host of challengers. Arizona State secured second place at 17-under, with Oklahoma trailing closely in third at 13-under.
The event has not only gained prominence due to its competitive field but also because of the beautiful setting of the Floridian Golf Club, a 6,943-yard par 71 course initially designed by Gary Player and later redesigned by Tom Fazio. The course, which reopened in November 2011, offers a challenging yet picturesque landscape for the players.
As the competition heats up, attention is on Jase Summy from Oklahoma, who surged ahead of the pack, finishing the first two rounds with remarkable scores of 65 and 64, placing him at 13-under and holding a commanding two-shot lead. The standout performance was fueled by an impressive 14 birdies, including a remarkable streak on holes 3 through 6 during the second round.
David Ford from North Carolina and Daniel Bennett from Texas sit in a tie for second place at 11-under, while Duke’s Kelly Chinn is in fourth at 8-under. These standings create an exciting prospect for the final 18 holes of the tournament.
Despite his stellar achievements, Clanton faces tough competition, especially with Summy performing at an exceptional level. Clanton's recent victory at the same event last year adds an extra layer of excitement as he attempts to come from behind to win again.
The Valspar Collegiate Invitational has become an elite event since its inception in 2014. It features the team competition format, counting the best four scores out of five players each round. With an impressive roster of talent, including 12 players from the top 20 of the Golfweek rankings, the event has garnered attention from golf enthusiasts and scouts alike.
As teams prepare for the final round on March 25, where the stakes continue to rise, fans are eagerly awaiting to see if Florida State can advance their standings and if Clanton can reclaim his title.
Ultimately, the Valspar Collegiate not only showcases the best in collegiate golf but also emphasizes the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence among young athletes, making it a must-watch event in the collegiate sporting calendar this season.
