Valspar Championship 2026 Preview: Johnny’s Winning Picks For Copperhead Chaos

by | Mar 18, 2026 | Blog, Carolinas, Dallas, From The Rough, Ohio, Tampa Bay

The PGA Tour’s Florida Swing wraps this week at the 2026 Valspar Championship, and the Copperhead Course is ready to make life miserable in all the right ways. Before the golf world turns its full attention to Augusta, one last pressure cooker waits in Palm Harbor, Florida, where a loaded field will battle a demanding par-71, 7,352-yard test at Innisbrook Resort.

This event may not carry signature status, but don’t confuse that with a weak field. Xander Schauffele, Matt Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Cantlay, Corey Conners, and Sahith Theegala give this tournament serious juice. For some, this is a final tune-up before the Masters. For others, it’s a chance to steal momentum and a trophy on one of the Tour’s nastier setups.

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Copperhead usually rewards patience, clean ball-striking, and nerve. That’s why players like Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth are so fascinating this week. Thomas has been close here before and looked sharper at The Players, while Spieth’s history at this event proves he can navigate the chaos if he keeps the card clean. Viktor Hovland remains dangerous, too, especially after showing signs of life with his iron play and short game.

Now to Johnny’s Winning Picks, featured on the graphic:

Winners:
Corey Conners 33-1
Sahith Theegala 36-1
Austin Smotherman 50-1

Ham Sandwich Pick:
Taylor Moore 82-1

Top 10:
Wyndham Clark +620
Adam Hadwin +970

Top 20:
Bud Cauley +240
Lee Hodges +370

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There’s a smart mix here. Conners and Theegala bring proven upside, Clark and Hadwin feel like strong placement-value plays, and Taylor Moore at 82-1 is exactly the kind of spicy longshot that can make a week memorable.

The Florida Swing has already delivered drama. Don’t expect the Valspar Championship to go quietly. Copperhead bites, and this field has enough firepower to make Sunday wild.

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