This week finds the PGA up to the Valspar Championship. As the golfers edge closer and closer to the first major of the year. The skill and drive they have shown this far proves that this will be a very competitive year. Let’s look at this week’s action.
2019 Valspar Championship
The Course Itself
This week the players will enjoy the play and scenery of the copperhead course at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, FL. A wonderfully challenging course with five par three holes combined with several over five hundred yard par fives. To add a challenge to any golfers skill.
The weather prediction also seems to be in favor of the Valspar weekend. All four days are predicted to have a high in the mid to upper seventies with sunshine. Great conditions for long days of play.
Who to Watch at Valspar
With last week’s winner and Fedex cup current leader Rory McIlroy and several other top golfers not in this week’s tournament. The door is wide open for someone to step up and make Valspar their stepping stone to the top percentage of the standings.
Some you may want to keep your eyes on Jim Furyk who was just narrowly beat in last week’s Player’s championship. Sergio Garcia is also playing and needs to make a good show at one of the tournaments to put his early season tantrum behind him. A great one to keep an eye on will also be 17-year-old Akshay Bhatia who is playing in his first PGA event. Can this be a break out championship for him? Only time will tell.
These Guys Are Good
Of course the main focus of any tournament is the winner. But there are also amazing plays from every player on the course. Last week there were multiple aces throughout the weekend. As well as incredible bunker shots into the hole, and a double eagle on the 11th hole by Harris English. However, on the flip side of the coin, there are also heartbreaking shots and problems that no man is immune from.
Tiger Woods succumbed to the evil 17th hole ending with a quadruple bogey after three shots landed in the water. There were also hard times on the greens as some putts that looked perfect somehow lipped out. Increasing the frustration level of those it happened to.
Fans, Fun, and Comrades
At the Valspar tournament as well as all tournaments, the players and fans have a special relationship. Fans will follow their favorites all day, cheering them on and calling out to them. The majority of the players are very sweet and great with their fans and will stop and sign autographs. Or they toss them golf balls and even a simple wave or hi is enough to make any fans day.
The comrade feeling between a lot of the players is also a great thing to see. Whether it be urging each other on as they play. Or as seen last week when Tiger Woods jokingly and exaggeratedly imitated Kevin Na’s quick grab of his holed putt. The laughter and teasing they both did as they were walking off the green was a fan favorite of the week.
Also when the match came down to Jim Furyk and Rory Mcllroy. There was such a show of respect and admiration that it highlights some of the best parts of the game.
Last Word
Now that it is officially spring, the best of the golf world will shine. There is less and less distinction in the ranks of the players as they have all elevated their game. Predicting who will win week to week is becoming harder and harder. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is every week there will be multiple things to talk about and be amazed at. Fore!
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