Leaderboard Breakdown

Five players share the lead, but the Copperhead Course is already showing its teeth.

The 2025 Valspar Championship is off to a thrilling start, and if Day 1 is any indication, we’re in for a wild weekend. The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort is living up to its reputation as one of the toughest tests on the PGA Tour, with only five players managing to break into the 60s. Let’s dive into the action and see who’s leading the charge.

The Leaders: A Five-Way Tie at the Top

After the first round, Jacob Bridgeman, Keith Mitchell, Stephan Jaeger, Ricky Castillo, and Sami Valimaki are all tied at 4-under par. That’s right—five players are sharing the spotlight, and each of them had to grind to get there.

• Jacob Bridgeman: The young gun made six birdies, including a clutch one on the par-3 17th, to card a 67.
• Keith Mitchell: Known for his booming drives, Mitchell kept it steady with four birdies and no bogeys.
• Stephan Jaeger: Jaeger’s short game was on point, saving par multiple times to stay in contention.
• Ricky Castillo: The rookie showed no nerves, making five birdies in his first round at the Valspar.
• Sami Valimaki: The Finnish star bounced back from an early bogey to finish strong with four birdies on the back nine.

It’s anyone’s game at this point, but one thing’s for sure: the Copperhead Course isn’t making it easy.

Chasing Pack: Big Names Lurking

Just one shot behind the leaders at 3-under par are Ryan Fox, Nico Echavarria, and Nick Hardy. Fox, in particular, looked sharp, carding five birdies despite a double bogey on the 14th.

Further down the leaderboard, a group of 13 players sits at 2-under par, including fan favorites like Billy Horschel, Sahith Theegala, and Davis Riley. Horschel, who’s been in solid form this season, will be looking to make a move on Friday.

The Course: Copperhead’s Bite

The Copperhead Course is no joke. With tight fairways, tricky greens, and the infamous “Snake Pit” (holes 16, 17, and 18), it’s a grind from start to finish. Several players found that out the hard way on Thursday:

• Kevin Velo (2-under) had his round cut short due to darkness and will have to finish his final hole on Friday.
• Victor Perez (2-under) struggled on the par-5s, making par on all four despite his length off the tee.
• Luke List (2-under) had a rollercoaster round with five birdies and three bogeys.

If Day 1 is any indication, the Copperhead Course is going to separate the contenders from the pretenders.

Notable Struggles

While some players thrived, others struggled to find their rhythm. Defending champion Peter Malnati opened with a 1-over 72, leaving him with work to do if he wants to make the cut. Justin Thomas, who’s been searching for form this season, carded a 2-over 73, including a costly double bogey on the 14th.

And then there’s Andre Chi, the PGA Professional who earned his spot through Monday qualifying. Chi shot a 4-over 75, but just being here is a victory in itself. His journey is a reminder of how special this game can be.

What to Watch on Friday

• Can the leaders hold on? With five players tied at the top, Friday will be all about separation. Who can handle the pressure and stay in contention?
• Will the big names make a move? Players like Horschel, Theegala, and Riley are lurking. A low round on Friday could put them in the mix for the weekend.
• How will the course play? The Copperhead Course is only going to get tougher as the week goes on. Precision and patience will be key.

Your Turn: Who’s Your Pick to Win?

At Better Golf News, we love a good underdog story. Will it be one of the five co-leaders, or will a dark horse emerge from the pack? Let us know your predictions in the comments—and don’t forget to tune in for what’s sure to be an exciting Friday at Innisbrook!