The Valspar Championship’s Copperhead Course is set to host the final stop of the Florida Swing, and it’s poised to deliver one of the toughest tests in the tour. In recent years, the course has been the hardest of the four that comprise the Sunshine State swing, with a scoring average of 71.408 last season.
The 156-player field will face a challenging layout with tree-lined fairways, primary rough reaching up to 3½ inches, and greens stretching to 12½ feet on the Stimpmeter. The course features 32 bunkers, including the notorious “Snake Pit” – a trio of holes (16th, 17th, and 18th) that demand careful navigation.
This season’s changes include a new tee on the par-4 ninth hole, now at 442 yards, which will affect the walk, now reaching 7,352 yards. The decision to reengage the fairway bunkers flanking the elbow of the slight dogleg-right routing of the 11th hole aims to enhance the overall challenge.
As players approach the tournament, dry conditions and breezes are expected to make Copperhead present its most punishing self. Meanwhile, warmer air will blanket the last two rounds, bringing an end to the northerly wind that might limit daytime highs on Friday.
With a rich history of competitive golf, Peter Malnati’s 2024 victory at 12-under 272 serves as a testament to the course’s difficulty. As the Florida Swing concludes, Copperhead is set to deliver another thrilling event, and this year’s Power Rankings will showcase which players are best equipped to handle its challenges.
Source: https://www.pgatour.com/article/news/power-rankings/2025/03/17/fantasy-golf-advice-tips-picks-valspar-championship-innisbrook-copperhead-fedexcup-playoffs-justin-thomas-schauffele-burns