Everything You Need to Know

The Florida swing heats up as the PGA Tour heads to the brutal Copperhead Course.

The PGA Tour’s Florida swing rolls on, and this week, it’s all about the Valspar Championship. Forget the glitz and glamour of The Players Championship—this is where grit, precision, and nerves of steel take center stage. The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida, is waiting to chew up and spit out anyone who dares to underestimate it. And trust me, this course doesn’t play favorites.

The Field: Who’s In and Who’s Missing

The 2025 Valspar Championship boasts a solid field, but let’s be real—it’s not exactly a star-studded lineup. Defending champion Peter Malnati is back, fresh off his emotional 2024 victory that ended an eight-year winless drought. But let’s not kid ourselves: Malnati’s win last year was more of a Cinderella story than a sign of dominance.

Joining him are Xander Schauffele, Tommy Fleetwood, and Justin Thomas, who are all looking to fine-tune their games ahead of the Masters. But where’s Scottie Scheffler? Where’s Rory McIlroy? Apparently, they’ve decided to skip this one, which is a shame because the Copperhead Course is the kind of test that separates the contenders from the pretenders.

The Course: The Snake Pit Awaits

The Copperhead Course is no joke. At 7,352 yards, it’s a beast that demands precision off the tee and nerves of steel on approach. And then there’s the infamous “Snake Pit”—holes 16, 17, and 18—a three-hole stretch that has ruined more scorecards than a double bogey on the 18th at TPC Sawgrass.

This year, the course has been tweaked to make it even tougher. The ninth hole has been lengthened, bringing more hazards into play. If you thought last week’s Players Championship was a grind, just wait until you see the carnage at Innisbrook.

The Stakes: Masters Invitations and $8.7 Million

With an $8.7 million purse on the line, the financial incentive is clear. But for many players, the real prize is a ticket to Augusta. The Valspar Championship offers one of the last chances to secure an invitation to the Masters, and you can bet there will be plenty of players grinding to make it happen.

For guys like Malnati, this tournament is a chance to prove last year wasn’t a fluke. For others, it’s an opportunity to build momentum heading into the first major of the year. And for the rest? Well, let’s just say they’re here to collect a paycheck and hope they don’t embarrass themselves on national TV.

How to Watch: Don’t Miss a Shot

The Valspar Championship runs from Thursday, March 20, to Sunday, March 23, and here’s how you can catch all the action:

• Thursday & Friday: Golf Channel & NBC Sports App (2-6 p.m. ET)
• Saturday & Sunday: Golf Channel (1-3 p.m. ET), NBC & Peacock (3-6 p.m. ET)
• Streaming on ESPN+: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. ET (Thursday-Sunday)

If you’re a golf fan, you won’t want to miss this. The Copperhead Course always delivers drama, and this year should be no different.

Predictions: Who Will Tame the Snake?

Let’s cut to the chase: Xander Schauffele is my pick to win. He’s been knocking on the door all season, and his game is tailor-made for a course that rewards precision and patience.

But don’t sleep on Tommy Fleetwood. The man is due for a win on the PGA Tour, and his ball-striking could be the key to conquering the Snake Pit.

As for Malnati? I’ll believe he can defend his title when I see it. Last year was magical, but lightning rarely strikes twice.

Your Turn: Who’s Your Pick to Win?

At Better Golf News, we know golf is as much about opinions as it is about birdies and bogeys. Who do you think will tame the Copperhead Course and take home the Valspar Championship trophy? Let us know in the comments—and don’t forget to tune in for what’s sure to be a wild weekend of golf!