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2025 Valspar Championship: Preview, Prop Picks & Best Bets

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Valspar Championship Preview: Props, Best Bets & Storylines

The PGA Tour’s Florida Swing continues with the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course in Palm Harbor. While it doesn’t carry the marquee status of Bay Hill or TPC Sawgrass, the Copperhead layout remains a player favorite, offering a stern test and scenic setting.

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Event Details:
Location: Palm Harbor, Fla.
Dates: March 20-23
Course: Innisbrook Resort, Copperhead Course (Par 71, 7,352 yards)
Purse: $8.7 million (Winner: $1.566 million)
Defending Champion: Peter Malnati
FedExCup Leader: Rory McIlroy

How to Watch:
TV Coverage:

  • Thursday-Friday: 2-6 p.m. ET (Golf Channel/NBC Sports App)
  • Saturday-Sunday: 1-3 p.m. ET (Golf Channel/NBC Sports App), 3-6 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock)
    Streaming (ESPN+):
  • Thursday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. ET
  • Saturday-Sunday: 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m. ET
    Follow on X: @ValsparChamp

Prop Picks

Sam Burns to Beat Xander Schauffele (+110 at DraftKings):
Burns has two career wins at Innisbrook and should feel confident despite missing the cut last year. Schauffele is returning from injury and hasn’t found his form yet.

Corey Conners Top 20 Finish (+120 at BetRivers):
Conners is trending upward with a solo third and T6 in his past two starts. A strong finish here could continue his momentum.

2025 Prop Pick Record: 11-17-1

Best Bets to Win

Tommy Fleetwood (+1100)
Fleetwood has finished T22 or better in 14 straight worldwide starts. He’s still hunting for his first U.S. stroke-play win, and this could be the week.

Xander Schauffele (+1200)
Despite a self-described “gross” game recently, he posted a final-round 65 here last year. Ranked No. 3 in the world, Schauffele is the highest-ranked player in the field.

Sepp Straka (+1600)
One of the most consistent players of 2025, Straka adds a T14 at The Players to a win at the AmEx and T5 at Bay Hill.

Justin Thomas (+2000)
Thomas has three top-10s in his last six starts and calls Copperhead one of his favorite tracks. He remains a strong bounce-back candidate.

Sam Burns (+2200)
A two-time Valspar winner, Burns is looking to rediscover form after a missed cut at The Players and a lackluster start to 2025.

Michael Kim (+3000)
Kim is making his 10th start of the season. Though he missed the cut last week, he notched five straight top-13s prior.

Corey Conners (+3500)
The Canadian leads the field in money and bet share at DraftKings after strong back-to-back finishes.

Lucas Glover (+6000)
Coming off a T3 at The Players, the veteran makes his 20th appearance at Innisbrook.

Notes & Storylines

  • The field includes 18 of the top 50 in the OWGR, including eight from the top 25.
  • The ninth hole has been altered to play from the No. 11 tee, bringing bunkers into play.
  • Peter Malnati will try to become the third player since 2018 to successfully defend a Valspar title.
  • Neal Shipley (low amateur, 2023 Masters), Luke Clanton (2024 Valspar Collegiate winner), and 17-year-old Blades Brown all received exemptions.
  • Vijay Singh holds the tournament scoring record (266, 2004); Padraig Harrington owns the 18-hole record (61, 2012).

This week’s Valspar Championship may not be designated, but with a strong field and a storied course, it promises plenty of betting value and compelling golf.