Fresh off a dramatic Players Championship that ended in a Monday playoff, the PGA Tour is full steam ahead for the Valspar Championship, which will begin on Thursday on the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. With a total purse of $8.7 million, including just over $1.5 million for the winner and 500 FedExCup points, the event promises to deliver thrilling action to golf fans.
This year, the timing of the Valspar Championship coincides with the beginning of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, making it a perfect distraction for fans likely to see their March Madness brackets busted by Thursday afternoon. As excitement builds, viewers are encouraged to watch the Golf Channel to see whether chalk or Cinderella emerges victorious in sunny Florida.
According to updated odds from DraftKings, favorites include Tommy Fleetwood at +1200, Justin Thomas at +1400, and Xander Schauffele at +1600. Other notable contenders include Sepp Straka (+2200), Corey Conners (+2500), Shane Lowry (+2500), and Will Zalatoris, who will be competing for the first time after finishing tied for second at THE PLAYERS Championship with a score of -11.
Geoffery Clark from OutKick mentioned that the field is particularly strong this year, stating, "It's a sneaky good field featuring seven players in the top 20 of the Official World Golf Rankings." This adds remarkable depth to the competition, with each golfer determined to make their mark. The field has proven dynamic, and with returning champions like Sam Burns, who won the Valspar Championship in 2022, viewers have ample drama to look forward to.
Clark has an interesting take on betting strategies for the tournament, admitting, "I bet on the TOUR weekly and the Valspar Championship at the Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course... is one of my favorite events of the year because I hit Sam Burns (+2000) here in 2022." With his experiences and a challenging betting history, Clark approaches the event with caution this year, aiming to bounce back from a rough season, where he saw his PGA Tour bankroll at -27.91 units.
As for his betting picks for the Valspar Championship, Clark noted a selection methodology based on golfer performance and course history. His top bets include Will Zalatoris at +4500, who is praised for his overall talent and recent form. Zalatoris has consistently gained strokes with his irons, ranking high in this aspect compared to others. Despite a disappointing end to his last round at THE PLAYERS after an unfortunate quadruple bogey, Zalatoris's motivation levels might propel him forward into this tournament.
Additionally, Taylor Moore, the defending champion and a +7500 pick from Clark, is expected to perform well, having demonstrated solid gameplay in the years leading up to his victory last year. Moore's chances include having won the 2023 Valspar Championship, where he relied on a mix of tactical shots to secure his win. He boasts an impressive ranking in various statistical categories, including Par 5 scoring, which is a key statistic emphasizing strong performance on crucial holes.
Another promising pick is Luke Clanton, listed at +8000. Known for his excellent ball-striking skills, Clanton has made a mark with recent performances that suggest he could capitalize on the odds in his favor at the Copperhead Course. Alongside him is Nicolai Højgaard at +8000, a talented golfer whose noteworthy statistics and recent wins raise expectations for his chances in the tournament.
Golf fans eager for value plays should keep an eye on Max McGreevy, priced at +12000. Clark highlighted McGreevy's potential, noting he has recently improved in driving accuracy and ironically shows potential despite being an underdog at these odds.
All in all, this edition of the Valspar Championship presents an exciting opportunity for both competitors and viewers alike. The combination of star players, intriguing betting odds, and the backdrop of March Madness creates a special atmosphere. As excitement builds around the tournament, it's a perfect time for golf enthusiasts to adapt to the challenges ahead while setting their sights firmly on their favorite events and players.
In summary, the 2025 Valspar Championship promises vibrant competition on an iconic course. Whether or not fans plan to place bets, all eyes will be on the four-day tournament at Innisbrook, which aims to produce thrilling moments for those following live golf action.
