Sunday Showdown Set at Innisbrook

Hovland, Bridgeman, and Echavarria share the lead, while Thomas and Spieth lurk.

The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort showed its teeth on Saturday, firming up under the Florida sun and making pars feel like birdies. As the field battled the toughening conditions, the leaderboard tightened, setting the stage for a thrilling Sunday finish at the Valspar Championship.

Here’s what you need to know heading into the final round:

The Leaders: A Three-Way Tie at the Top

Three players sit atop the leaderboard at 7-under par:

• Viktor Hovland: The 2023 FedExCup champion is back in contention after three straight missed cuts.
• Jacob Bridgeman: The second-year TOUR pro is looking for his first win.
• Nico Echavarria: The Colombian star is aiming for his third TOUR victory.

Hovland, who shot a third-round 69, admitted he’s not entirely comfortable with his game but is finding ways to score. “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,” he said.

Bridgeman, meanwhile, is embracing the spotlight. “As experiences go, this is going to be a cool one,” he said. “I look forward to the challenge.”

And Echavarria? He’s just here to win. “Winning,” he said when asked what motivates him. Simple as that.

Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth: Lurking Dangerously

Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, paired together for the first three rounds, are both within striking distance. Thomas fired a 6-under 65 on Saturday to move to 5-under, while Spieth carded a 4-under 67 to sit at 3-under.

Neither has won on TOUR since 2022, and both are hungry to end that drought. Thomas, in particular, looked sharp on Saturday, and his confidence is high heading into Sunday. “I’m excited to see how it’s going to play tomorrow,” he said. “It’s going to be a true great test.”

Spieth, the 2015 Valspar champion, knows what it takes to win here. But with 30 players within five shots of the lead, it’s anyone’s game.

The Snake Pit: The Ultimate Test

The final three holes at Innisbrook—known as the “Snake Pit”—lived up to their reputation on Saturday. Each played over par in the third round, and they’ll likely decide the tournament on Sunday.

“They’re getting toasty,” Hovland said of the greens. “There’s less and less grass out there, and they’re getting pretty slick. If the weather sustains this, then it’s going to be just firmer and crispier tomorrow.”

Translation: Buckle up. The Snake Pit is about to bite.

What to Watch on Sunday

1. Viktor Hovland vs. Himself: Hovland’s game is still a work in progress, but he’s finding ways to score. Can he hold it together under pressure?
2. Jacob Bridgeman’s Big Moment: The second-year pro has never been in this position before. How will he handle the pressure?
3. Nico Echavarria’s Quiet Confidence: The Colombian star is flying under the radar, but don’t sleep on him.
4. Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth: Two of the game’s biggest names are lurking. Can they make a charge?
5. The Snake Pit: The final three holes will separate the contenders from the pretenders.

Your Turn: Who’s Your Pick to Win?

At Better Golf News, we love a good underdog story. Will it be Hovland, Bridgeman, Echavarria, or a dark horse like Thomas or Spieth? Let us know your predictions in the comments—and don’t forget to tune in for what’s sure to be an exciting Sunday at Innisbrook!