Photo: Golf Digest
After an unforgettable week at The Players Championship, we are headed to The Valspar Championship. This year the event has one of its strongest fields it has seen in years which should make for an exciting event. While there are plenty of exciting names at the top of the field this week, this event is also bolstered with intriguing depth from young players such as Fred Biondi, Adrien Dumont De Chassart, Chris Gotterup, and Parker Coody. Combine an above average field for this event, with the momentous energy The Tour is carrying from the thrilling players Championship the week prior, and we end up with one of the most anticipated Valspar Championship’s in recent memory. With the stage set, let’s get into our picks for the event this week!
Brian Harman
If it wasn’t for a slow start at The Players last week, Harman would have won the event. He shot 65,64,68 to close out the event to come roaring back from an even par first round. A performance like that really highlights the grit and mental fortitude that Harman carries on to the course week in week out. He showcased his ability to avoid the truly big numbers last week, as well as his ability to make a boatload of birdies. Harman is someone who possess the great combination of high floor and high ceiling as he has both not missed a cut yet this season, and has three top twelve finishes, with two of them being in the top five. I think Harman has another great showing this week and wins The Valspar Championship.
Sam Ryder
This is far more of a hot form pick than a course history selection. Last year Ryder put up a respectable showing of T19 at Valspar, but missed the cut in this event the two prior seasons. Last week at The Players he finished T16, however, this was the furthest from a run of the mill T16 as you may ever see. He set The Players Championship record with 27 birdies, yet he only finished the event with a score of -10. I will let you do the math on that one of how many shots he gave back over the course of the week. It was an absolute roller coaster ride for Ryder last week. This week, there are less big numbers lurking out there on the course. We have clear evidence that he can make birdies in bunches right now, so it is reasonable to think he could continue that form this week. I like Ryder to finish in The Top 10 this week at Valspar.
Matthew NeSmith
NeSmith is both coming off his best finish of the season and coming to a course that he loves. He finished T26 at The Players last week, which was his best finish of the season by a fair margin. In his last two starts at The Valspar, he has finished T3 and T21 respectively. Combine good form and good course history for where he is on the odds board, and he feels like a no brainer for us to highlight with our long shot pick of the week. I think NeSmith will finish top 20 this week at The Valspar Championship.
