Viktor Hovland and Jacob Bridgeman are set for an exciting finale at the 2025 Valspar Championship, both sharing the lead as they head into the final round on Sunday, March 23. Hovland, who has seen his world ranking drop significantly over the past year, managed to regain some form by posting a solid 2-under 70 on the demanding Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort on Saturday, March 22. Bridgeman, making his first appearance in such a position, joined him as a co-leader, representing a fascinating contrast in experience and trajectory.
Hovland, the six-time Tour winner and former FedEx champion, has been struggling with his swing and confidence, slipping from No. 3 in the world to No. 19 since the 2024 PGA Championship. Even in this tournament, he admitted to facing challenges, stating, “It’s fun to be in contention but it is a little bit more stressful when you don't feel super comfortable over the ball.” Despite this, Hovland has demonstrated resilience, countering rough patches on the course with moments of brilliance. His recent round showcased his steady course management, including a particularly notable 7-iron on the 8th hole that resulted in a birdie. “Overall, how consistent it was the first kind of 12 holes I would say, I wasn’t really in danger of making a big number,” he reflected.
On the other hand, Bridgeman, at just 25 years old, is in search of his first PGA Tour victory after a few rough outings at the start of the year. After three missed cuts in early 2025, he has gathered momentum with a T2 finish at the Cognizant Classic and a T15 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. His performance at the Valspar is a testament to his growth under pressure, showing a keen ability to recover from setbacks during his rounds. On Saturday, Bridgeman initially faltered, bogeying the opening par-5 but then recovered to finish the day tied for first after showcasing his putting prowess with four birdies on the back nine.
Joining them at the top of the leaderboard is Nico Echavarria, who shot a commendable 68 to share the lead at 7-under overall. Echavarria, who recently claimed a title in Japan, appears confident. “This is a golf course where you don’t have to be one off the lead to start to get the leaders,” he noted, suggesting an awareness of the unpredictable nature of competition at Innisbrook.
Behind the three leaders, Justin Thomas made a strong move on Moving Day with a remarkable 6-under 65, propelling him from T53 to T5, just two shots off the lead. Thomas, known for his competitive spirit, highlighted the tight nature of the leaderboard—indicating a mere nine holes could shift everything in the standings. “I would say [being on the cut line is] more nerve wracking than trying to win a golf tournament,” he remarked before his rise on Saturday. His sensational round included an eagle putt from 30 feet on the 11th hole and put him among a group that includes Shane Lowry and others still contending with a score of 5-under.
The final round promises excitement, with Hovland, Bridgeman, and Echavarria leading the charge while numerous players, including Thomas, Lowry, and Ricky Castillo, remain close enough to apply pressure. Lowry, another strong competitor this week, remains without a major title but is known for producing results under tense circumstances. The leaderboard is exceptionally tight, with over 20 players within four shots of the lead as they prepare for the final 18 holes at the Copperhead Course.
In what could be a thrilling conclusion, Hovland will need to dig deeper, both mentally and physically, to secure a gulfing triumph that has eluded him since his last victory in 2023. Meanwhile, Bridgeman aims to capitalize on his rapid ascent, showcasing a steady resolve to achieve his first win on Tour. As golf enthusiasts tune in for the final stretch of the Valspar Championship, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown on Sunday.
