It was a packed day at Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course, for the first round in the Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor.
Jordan Spieth started hot thanks to his putter — that’s what we’ll be covering in a moment — while Ryan Brehm used a ace on the par-3 17th and climbed to the top of leaderboard at 5 under. After matching 66s, Adam Schenk and Stephan Jaeger sit alongside Brehm.
Maverick McNealy opened the tournament with a 4-under 67. He is still looking for his first win on PGA Tour. McNealy is making his first visit to Innisbrook. He’s impressed so far with the course.
After his round, he stated that he had heard so many people say this was a great course. “I’m a West Coast guy. I’ve played. Florida is a different. But everyone kept saying that this course doesn’t feel Florida. I was able to see pictures when I went out. It reminds me of the Stanford and Sharon Heights golf courses I used to play at when I was a kid in the Bay Area.
We’ll see if these hometown feelings carry him to success throughout his career.
Sam Burns, looking to win outside Tampa for the 3rd year, opened with a 2 under 69. Justin Thomas was also on the opening round. Thomas was one shot away from the playoffs last season, and 13th in 2021.
Burns stated that he believes it is just about putting together a solid week. However, a lot of the winning is beyond my control. “So I just try and go out there and do my best and add it all up at the end.”
We have your back if you missed Thursday’s action. This is everything you need from the Valspar Championship’s first round.
