Valspar Championship 2024: Betting Guide and Top Contenders Preview

Valspar Championship 2024: Betting Guide and Top Contenders Preview

By Marcus Sullivan

February 28, 2025 at 03:07 AM

The Valspar Championship returns to the challenging Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort near Tampa. The par-71, 7,340-yard Larry Packard design features tree-lined fairways demanding precision off the tee, culminating in the infamous "Snake Pit" - one of golf's most challenging three-hole finishing stretches.

Paul Casey returns as the two-time defending champion, having edged out Jason Kokrak and Louis Oosthuizen by one stroke in 2019 with a final round 72 (+1). This followed his 2018 victory over Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed.

The 2021 field includes four top-10 ranked players:

  • Dustin Johnson (coming off T13 at RBC Heritage)
  • Justin Thomas (first start since T21 at Masters)
  • Patrick Reed
  • Tyrrell Hatton

Phil Mickelson also makes his first Valspar appearance since 2004, following a T21 finish at Augusta.

Top Betting Picks:

Justin Thomas (+1000)

  • World #2 and tournament favorite
  • Won The Players Championship
  • Four top-20 finishes in last seven starts

Corey Conners (+1800)

  • Recent Florida success with 3rd at Arnold Palmer and 7th at Players
  • Ranks 10th in driving accuracy
  • 9th in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green

Paul Casey (+2200)

  • Two-time defending champion
  • Six top-15 finishes in eight 2021 starts
  • Won Dubai Desert Classic in January

Emiliano Grillo (+4500)

  • T2 at RBC Heritage
  • Ranks 10th in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee
  • Seven top-25 finishes this season

Justin Rose (+5000)

  • Strong course history (T5 2018, T8 2014)
  • Recent form improving with 7th at Masters
  • T11 at Zurich Classic

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