"Weekend Forecast" prepares you for golf's major tours heading into the weekend. In this installment, PGA professional and RG Lead Golf Writer Brendon Elliott breaks down the action at The Valspar and shares who has navigated the “Snake Pit” best.
Tight Leaderboard Emerges After Two Challenging Days at Copperhead
Jacob Bridgeman maintained his composure through challenging conditions at Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course to claim a one-shot lead at the halfway point of the Valspar Championship. After sharing the first-round lead in a five-way tie, Bridgeman posted a 2-under 69 on Friday to reach 6-under 136 for the tournament.
The 25-year-old held a two-shot advantage before a costly bogey on the 18th hole trimmed his lead to a single stroke heading into the weekend.
Bridgeman, who went off the 10th hole to start his week, went bogey-bogey on Thursday before rallying with six birdies and an eagle offset by one more bogey. Sitting on top of the leaderboard with a two-over start is quite impressive indeed.
Hovland Finds Swing in Surprising Contention
Perhaps the biggest surprise on the leaderboard is Viktor Hovland, who sits just one shot back after posting a 4-under 67 on Friday. The Norwegian star has been open about his recent swing struggles, having missed the cut at THE PLAYERS Championship after an opening-round 80.
"I still don't exactly know where the ball's going to start and curve and all that stuff," Hovland admitted.
"But if you're hitting solid shots, that's a good start, especially out here when the wind is starting to blow... Still doesn't feel quite that great, but at least it's improvement."
This marks Hovland's first made cut since the Genesis Scottish Open last July, though he has competed in several no-cut events during that span.
Crowded Chasing Pack
Joining Hovland at 5-under 137 are Byeong Hun An (67) and Ryo Hisatsune (66), while a larger group at 4-under 138 includes former Open Champion Shane Lowry and Xander Schauffele, who extended his consecutive cuts made streak to 60.
Lowry's Friday round featured a tale of two nines as he birdied six holes on his opening nine before cooling off.
"I played that nine holes pretty flawlessly. Didn't really miss many shots," Lowry said. "Unfortunately, I wasn't as good on the other nine. But I think 4-under on a day like today, if you had given me that in the locker room this morning I would have taken it."
Schauffele Finding Form After Injury
Schauffele, playing in just his third event since returning from a two-month absence due to a rib injury, has positioned himself well for a weekend charge after rounds of 70-68.
"This is one of those places where it can get away from you quick, or you can kind of hang in there, and your name will be up there on Sunday late in the day," Schauffele said. "So I'm just trying to play golf."
Cut Line Drama
The cut fell at 2-over 144, with several notable players barely making it to the weekend. Adam Scott needed birdies on two of his final three holes to make the cut on the number.
The cut line itself provided late drama when amateur Neal Shipley, playing in the final group of the day, needed a par on the 18th hole to keep the cut at 1-over. Shipley found a bunker off the tee and missed a 15-footer for par, moving the cut line to 2-over and allowing 13 additional players to play the weekend.
With just eight shots separating Bridgeman from the cut line, the notoriously difficult Copperhead Course remains poised to challenge the field over the weekend. Known for its demanding "Snake Pit" finishing stretch, Innisbrook has already shown its teeth through two rounds of unseasonably chilly and windy conditions in Florida.
The stage is set for what promises to be an exciting weekend with major champions, rising stars, and comeback stories all in the mix at the Valspar Championship.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
