The 2023 edition of the Valspar Championship is in the books, and for the first time in three years, a new name will be added to the winner’s trophy. After taking on all comers on a cool and windy afternoon on Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course, Taylor Moore finished 10-under par to end up on top after an exciting, ever-changing final-round leaderboard.
Living up to its reputation, the dreaded “Snake Pit” was the downfall for Jordan Spieth and Adam Schenk as they entered the “Snake Pit” at 10-under and left losing strokes. Spieth hit his tee shot into the water on the 16th for a bogey and a missed putt on the 18th green that cost him another. Schenk found his tee shot on the 18th hugging a tree, resulting in his par putt bouncing off the pin for a bogey 5 to finish solo second.
Taylor Moore wins his first PGA TOUR Title with Valspar Win
A first look at this year’s championship field might have left some people scratching their heads and wondering “who are these guys?” It was certainty a slim field of top ranked players on the tour, but that soon became a passing thought when the first group tee off. Like any professional sport, sometimes it’s the relatively unknown players who brings to the game a breath of fresh air and a work ethic of a true professionals. This year’s tournament featured four of the top 15 players in the world, and three previous tournament winners.
During his post round interview, Taylor Moore talked about what it was like playing ahead of the leaders today and if he was aware of what they were posting for scores.
“Didn’t have any idea where they were but with my birdie on 9th followed with another on 12th that I felt I was in good shape if I just stayed focus,” said the happy first time winner who pocketed $1.458 million. “The birdie on the 15th did get me feeling that at 10-under I must be close to the leaders. I checked the leaderboard on the 17th green and saw that I was in a three-way tie.”
The Valspar Championship has once again closed the “Florida Swing” with another outstanding tournament from start to finish. It had the perfect setting for both core fans and families to come together for four days to enjoy a venue that has something for everyone.
