On Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course March 21-24
Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course is home to the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship, an official 72-hole event held in March, with proceeds from ticket sales benefiting area charities through the Championship’s Birdies for Tampa Bay Charities program. Record crowds watched Copperhead bare its fangs and deliver the highest first round score of any course on the PGA Tour last year.
Last year’s event drew record crowds due to Tiger Wood’s comeback debut. Woods came within inches of victory after coming up short on a putt on the 18th hole that would have forced a playoff with 2018 Valspar champion, Paul Casey. Previous champions include Jordan Spieth, Luke Donald, Charl Schwartzel, and Adam Hadwin. Previously, Innisbrook had hosted 10 J C Penney Classic tournaments that featured mixed teams of PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour professionals.
Sunday, March 17, Innisbrook will be the site of the Veterans Alternative Copperhead 5K Run/Walk. No special events are set for Monday; however, Tuesday, March 19, will be a practice day for the pros and will give area golf fans an opportunity to see their tournament favorites without charge. Wednesday, March 20, will be set aside for the MetLife Pro-Am, with proceeds also going to local charities.
Tournament play is set for this year’s Valspar event starting Thursday, March 21. After 36 holes on Thursday and Friday, leaders in the field will be eligible for Saturday’s “Moooving Day” play, sponsored by Chick-Fil-A, followed by the “Mooving Day” concert.
Country superstar Brad Paisley will perform at 7 p.m. on Innisbrook’s Osprey Driving Range. Concert admission is free for tournament passholders or those holding single day tickets for Saturday’s round. The big excitement of the golf event will take place during the final round on Sunday, March 24, when the leaders will compete for the title and some serious FedEx championship points. Tickets are available online and at all area Publix stores.
Content provided by Jackie McCallum. Photos courtesy of Innisbrook and PGA Tour
This year they are going to have more activities than ever. Read here for details.