Palm Harbor, Fla. — The **Valspar Championship** returns to the challenging Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort this week, March 19-22, marking the conclusion of the PGA Tour's Florida Swing. With a $9.1 million purse and a strong but non-Signature field, the event features elite ball-strikers and short-game specialists who can navigate the tight fairways, thick rough and signature Snake Pit finishing stretch.

Valspar Championship
Valspar Championship

**Xander Schauffele** enters as the clear betting favorite at +1000 to +1100 across major sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM. The two-time major champion, ranked in the top 10 globally, has shown consistent form with a strong showing at The Players Championship last week. Schauffele's all-around game — elite approach play, solid driving and improved putting — suits the par-71, 7,352-yard layout, where accuracy off the tee and scrambling are premium.

Defending champion **Viktor Hovland** sits close behind at +1550 to +1700. The Norwegian claimed his first PGA Tour title here in 2025 despite swing inconsistencies, relying on exceptional short-game wizardry. Hovland has posted four top-15 finishes in six worldwide starts this year, including recent strong performances at Bay Hill and TPC Sawgrass. His ability to make up strokes around the greens could prove decisive again on a course that punishes errant shots.

**Matt Fitzpatrick** rounds out the top tier at +1300 to +1800. The Englishman has surged recently, gaining strokes tee-to-green at The Players en route to a runner-up finish. Experts highlight his precision iron play and course fit, with some models ranking him first in true strokes gained tee-to-green among the field this season. Fitzpatrick's composure under pressure makes him a popular pick to contend.

Rising stars add intrigue. **Akshay Bhatia** (+1900 to +2200) has been one of the hottest players, with multiple top-16 finishes including a win at Arnold Palmer Invitational and a strong ball-striking display at The Players. **Jacob Bridgeman** (+2000 to +2350) draws attention after a solo third here last year and a Riviera victory, plus consistent top-20 results. His elite putting and recent momentum have shortened his odds significantly.

Other notables include **Justin Thomas** (+2000 to +2300), who enjoys Innisbrook's demands; **Jordan Spieth** (+2300 to +2700), seventh in total strokes gained over three months despite no top-10s yet; **Patrick Cantlay** (+2200 to +2800); and **Brooks Koepka** (+2500 to +2800), showing signs of resurgence with improved putting and tee-to-green gains.

Models and experts offer varied predictions. Some fade Cantlay despite his pricing, projecting him outside the top 10. Others target Bridgeman for a big run at value odds. Longshots include **Sahith Theegala** (+3000 to +4000), whose form rebounds from injury; **Ryo Hisatsune** (+2700 to +4500), with a T4 here last year; and **Ben Griffin** (+2500 to +3300).

The Copperhead Course demands precision. Narrow fairways lined with pine straw and rough punish wayward drives, while small, undulating greens test approach accuracy and putting. The Snake Pit — holes 16-18 — often decides tournaments with water hazards and strategic demands. Stats like strokes gained approach, around-the-green and scrambling correlate strongly with past winners.

With Scottie Scheffler and other top stars opting out post-Players, the field opens opportunities. Seven of the world's top 20 are absent, but the lineup remains competitive with seven inside the global top 20 competing.

Tee times begin Thursday morning, with coverage on Golf Channel and NBC. The event's position before the Masters adds motivation for players seeking momentum.

Predictions lean toward experience and form. Schauffele's consistency gives him the edge, but Hovland's course history and Fitzpatrick's recent surge make them serious threats. Bhatia and Bridgeman represent upside for those seeking value.

As the Florida Swing ends, the Valspar Championship promises tight competition and potential surprises on one of the Tour's toughest tests. Whether a favorite prevails or a contender emerges, the week sets the stage for April's major season.