The 2019 Valspar Championship is officially in the books as history has been made at the Copperhead course. From Florida’s Innisbrook Golf Resort Paul Casey came out on top for the second year in a row. From the opening round to the last, a number of hungry competitors challenged for the top spot as the famed Florida swing comes to a close.
Throughout Sunday South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen as well as Jason Kokrak each battled their way up the leaderboard to test Casey’s resolve. After a hole in one during his third round Kokrak turned that momentum into a tie for second place (along with Oosthuizen). Despite both competitors solid play it was no match for the Englishman.
Casey chases history Sunday
For the third time on the PGA Tour, and the 21st time in his career, Paul Casey held a championship in his hands once again Sunday. With his latest victory at the Valspar Championship, this win marked the first time in the PGA’s 20 year history at this course that a defending champion has won back to back. It was resiliency and resolve that kept Casey in title contention Sunday after opening with just two birdies and three bogeys over his opening nine holes.
A satisfying sound. 🔊⬆@Paul_Casey takes the solo lead.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/BlAeUOPa54
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 24, 2019
Taking the turn at 1-over for the day the field began closing in quickly on the near 20 year pro. A birdie at the par-5 4th seemed to stabilize the round while bogey at 13 was quickly corrected by a bounce back birdie at 14. With three top contenders, including top ranked golfer in the world Dustin Johnson, within just two strokes Casey knew he had to make the most of his remaining few holes.
What touch from @Paul_Casey.
Will he defend his title @ValsparChamp?#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/lgIcOEMdvH
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 24, 2019
The famed Copperhead course can be a daunting task for even the most seasoned competitors. The closing three hole stretch known as “The Snake Pit” did their best to derail Casey come Sunday. Bogeys by Kokrak and Oosthuizen down the stretch and a sensational par on 18 set up another championship for Casey and much needed momentum heading to Augusta.
The birds fly high around Copperhead
The early eagle highlight of the day came courtesy of Morgan Hoffman from the greenside bunker on his opening hole of the day.
The early bird gets the … 🦅?
On his first hole of the day, @Morgan_Hoffmann holes out from the bunker for eagle @ValsparChamp. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/5haKItxKlw
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 24, 2019
After making a chip-in highlight in the second round Austin Cook made a charge once again Sunday with another chip-in birdie this time at the par-4 2nd.
Two holes played. Two birdies made.@AustinCookGolf is now just two off the lead @ValsparChamp. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/GOpx7nL6hu
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 24, 2019
The opening hole Sunday proved to be more generous than the rest of Copperhead as Louis Oosthuizen also turned in an eagle after going long out of the sand to jump back into contention.
The perfect way to start the day.
EAGLE for @Louis57TM! 🦅#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/k3OUAhHPka
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 24, 2019
The 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia never quite jumped into contention over the weekend but that didn’t stop him from making some highlights of his own.
Spot. On. @TheSergioGarcia throwing darts @ValsparChamp. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/uEAuUK5R1X
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 24, 2019
Taking advantage of number one this time was Luke Donald dialing it up from even further out. From back in the gallery Donald placed a picture perfect pitch just onto the green and let it roll in for yet another eagle.
Wait, what? 🤔
From where? 🤔
Eagle for @LukeDonald! #LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/tXkYLaCV8w
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 24, 2019
For the second time on Sunday Austin Cook made noise once again with another chip-in for birdie.
Two hole-outs in one round! pic.twitter.com/0GGoqBqVs9
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 24, 2019
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