If you consider yourself knowledgeable about the PGA TOUR courses that regularly host events, you likely recognize that each leg of the Florida Swing presents its own distinct challenges. What may come as a surprise, however, is that the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort has proven to be the toughest course in relation to par for the last two seasons. This final stop in Palm Harbor holds its own against renowned venues such as PGA National, Bay Hill Club & Lodge, and TPC Sawgrass, which precede it annually in the Sunshine State.
The Copperhead Course is a parkland track located just outside Tampa, where the Valspar Championship is contested. This year, we explore what’s new at Copperhead and provide insight into the projected entrants who will contend for the title. This season, the fields for the Valspar Championship, along with the upcoming Texas Children’s Houston Open and the Valero Texas Open, will expand to a maximum of 156 players. This increase accommodates all commitments through Category 29 of the Priority Ranking. However, it’s important to note that alternates will not be called unless any field drops below 144 players.
The Florida Swing is known for its challenging courses, and the Copperhead Course is no exception. As the competition intensifies, the 156 players committed to this week’s event view Copperhead as a significant opportunity as they progress deeper into the season. They understand the challenges posed by this par 71 course, which is designed to test even the most skilled golfers. With its tree-lined fairways and primary rough reaching 3½ inches, players will need to bring their best game to succeed.
Last year, the scoring average at Copperhead was the third-lowest in the last 11 seasons of the tournament, standing at 71.408. This statistic underscores that a shootout is unlikely on this demanding track. The course stretches to 7,352 yards, which is an increase of 12 yards from the previous year, thanks to a new tee on the par-4 ninth hole that now measures 442 yards. Notably, this tee utilizes the same turf as the forward tee for the 575-yard par-5 11th hole, designed to enhance the challenge posed by the trio of fairway bunkers that flank the slight dogleg-right routing of the ninth hole.
The Copperhead Course features a mix of Bermudagrass fairways and rough, overseeded with rye, while the greens are treated with a dose of Poa overseed. As the first day of spring aligns with Thursday’s opening round, players can expect lush conditions that will feel pure underfoot. Dry weather is anticipated, allowing Copperhead to showcase its most punishing characteristics, while pre-cut breezes will add another layer of complexity. A northerly wind on Friday may keep daytime highs from exceeding 70 degrees, but warmer and calmer conditions are expected for the final two rounds.
No preview of the Copperhead Course would be complete without acknowledging the notorious Snake Pit, which comprises the challenging par-4 16th, par-3 17th, and par-4 18th holes. These final holes must be navigated with precision to avoid squandering the hard work accomplished earlier in the round. In the last tournament, this trio of holes averaged 0.409 strokes over par, proving that they can make or break a player’s round.
As we look forward to another thrilling edition of the Valspar Championship, the competition at Copperhead promises to be intense, with players like Peter Malnati, who achieved a two-shot victory at 12-under 272 last year, showcasing what it takes to conquer this challenging course.
