DFS PGA PLAYBOOK - VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP

Last week was interesting to say the least but that’s what you get when these players take on a new course especially one with such an environmental shift.  Everyone knew that DJ had all the ability to be the best player on the planet and now we are seeing it all come together.  We would all just love to see him take down a few more major titles after his break through U.S. Open victory in 2016.  Let’s now focus our attention onto the Valspar Championship.

This tournament takes place in Palm Harbour, Florida at the Innisbrook Resort which is more affectionately known as Copperhead.  The course is 7,340 yards and a Par 71 but it is different from most Florida courses in that it is tree lined with a lot less water.  Normally, Par 71s feature only three Par 5’s but this one has four with an extra Par 3 and one less Par 4.  The fairways are very tight and the average for fairways hit for the week is usually 33/34.  The big bombers will be forced to club down as driving distance is way lower than normal.  Scrambling will play a factor this week especially with the length of the rough.  Most all of the greens are well protected with bunkers, so targeting players with good numbers from the sand would be benefit.

As I mentioned, there are five Par 3’s on this course but the shortest one is 195 yards which means target good long iron players and/or great scramblers from around the greens.  Some of these holes can play longer than they seem depending on the length of the tee shot, so there is a big premium placed on players being straight and having excellent long iron play.

The last thing to mention is “The Snake Pit.”  These players will finish their rounds every day in what is affectionately known as “The Snake Pit” which is holes 16 thru 18.  It starts with a 460 yard Par 4 with water all along the right side and a tight tree line along the left with a green that just repels golf balls.  Then you move to a 215 yard Par 3 with a narrow opening to a long green and you finish things off with a 445 yard Par 4 which has a green that is tucked away to the left which makes it extremely difficult for these players to make the green in two.  All of the greens on Copperhead are a challenge to reach safely but these last three can really bite you which is why it is known as “The Snake Pit.”  

Finally let’s wrap things up with our friend Paige!  She’s ready for the challenge of Copperhead, are you?  Good luck this week!

DFS PGA PLAYBOOK:

DRAFT KINGS OPTIMALS

ONE & DONE PLAY: