The 2026 Valspar Championship takes centre stage on the PGA Tour from March 19-22 on the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida.
The tournaments follows The Players Championship and is the final stop on the PGA Tour’s Florida Swing in 2026 and a proven examination of all‑round skill.
One of the most respected layouts on tour, the Copperhead Course demands strategy, precision, and patience over power.
With its tree‑lined fairways, heavily contoured greens, and the infamous closing stretch known as the “Snake Pit,” players must plot their way carefully to stay in contention.
Current 2026 Valspar Championship Betting Odds
| Player | Betting Odds |
|---|---|
| Xander Schauffele | 10/1 (+1000) |
| Matt Fitzpatrick | 14/1 (+1400) |
| Viktor Hovland | 16/1 (+1600) |
| Akshay Bhatia | 18/1 (+1800) |
| Justin Thomas | 20/1 (+2000) |
| Jacob Bridgeman | 28/1 (+2800) |
Leading 2026 Valspar Championship Contenders
Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele tops the betting as he searches for his first win of 2026 following a string of close calls.
Schauffele’s blend of control, distance, and poise under pressure makes him an ideal fit for Copperhead’s precision‑based layout.
His ability to shape shots both ways and maintain composure on demanding greens puts him firmly among the players to beat in Florida this week.
Matt Fitzpatrick
Matt Fitzpatrick is looking to continue his strong early‑season form and build on a consistent stretch of results that saw him go agonisingly close in last week’s The Players Championship.
A master of accuracy and course management, Fitzpatrick’s compact swing and patience should serve him perfectly at Innisbrook.
If he finds rhythm with the putter, he could quickly turn careful positioning into a low‑scoring advantage across the four days.
Viktor Hovland
Reigning champion Viktor Hovland brings elite ball‑striking and relentless consistency to the Copperhead Course.
While his short game has improved considerably over the past year, it’s his tee‑to‑green precision that makes him so dangerous here.
Expect Hovland to attack when opportunities arise – especially on the par‑5s – yet keep the mistakes to a minimum in typically tough Florida conditions.
Akshay Bhatia
Still in his early 20s, Akshay Bhatia has quickly proven he belongs among the game’s elite. His precision with wedges and confident putting stroke make him a strong outsider to add to his recent victory in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Bhatia’s calm demeanour and natural creativity should also help him navigate Copperhead’s trademark test – grinding when needed, then capitalising on scoring holes.
Justin Thomas
Justin Thomas remains a popular choice despite inconsistent form in recent months. His pedigree and proven ability to win on tough layouts can’t be overlooked, especially on a course that favours shot‑makers.
If Thomas finds his touch on the greens, the two‑time major winner could easily re‑emerge as a Sunday threat.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.