Quick Read
- The 2026 Valspar Championship commences at the Copperhead Course with significant late-stage withdrawals, including Akshay Bhatia.
- Defending champion Viktor Hovland returns to defend his title alongside other notable players like Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, and Jordan Spieth.
- Xander Schauffele enters the event with strong momentum following a solo-third finish at last week’s Players Championship.
PALM HARBOR, FL (Azat TV) – The 2026 Valspar Championship officially begins Thursday morning at the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort, as the field navigates a sudden wave of personnel changes. While defending champion Viktor Hovland returns to the Florida event seeking a repeat victory, the tournament roster has seen significant attrition over the last 48 hours, impacting the competitive landscape for critical FedEx Cup points.
Reshuffled Field and Notable Absences
Tournament organizers confirmed a series of late-stage withdrawals leading up to the opening round. Among the most prominent players to exit the field is Akshay Bhatia, who recently secured his third PGA Tour title at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Bhatia’s departure, alongside Robert MacIntyre, Keith Mitchell, and Max Greyserman, has altered the composition of the starting groups just hours before the first tee time. While official reasons for the withdrawals were not specified, the shift creates new opportunities for the remaining field to capitalize on tournament positioning in a high-stakes environment.
Schauffele’s Momentum on the Copperhead Course
Despite the roster volatility, the event maintains a strong headline presence. Xander Schauffele enters the week as a primary point of interest for spectators and analysts alike. Following a breakthrough performance at last week’s Players Championship, where he claimed a solo-third finish, Schauffele appears to be hitting a peak of form. His recent top-10 finishes at the Genesis Invitational and the Players Championship have positioned him as a favorite to contend for his 11th PGA Tour win as he continues his preparation for the upcoming Masters.
The Defense of the 2025 Title
Defending champion Viktor Hovland remains the centerpiece of the tournament’s narrative. Returning to the site of his 2025 triumph, Hovland will lead a marquee group as he attempts to navigate the demanding Copperhead layout. The field also features veteran stars including Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, and Brooks Koepka, ensuring that despite the recent withdrawals, the competition for the title remains intense. Coverage of the first round is set to be broadcast via Golf Channel and streamed exclusively through PGA Tour Live on ESPN+.
The clustering of player withdrawals just days after the conclusion of the Players Championship suggests a potential fatigue factor among the tour’s top athletes, placing increased pressure on remaining contenders like Schauffele to maintain consistency in a season where points distribution for the FedEx Cup is becoming increasingly competitive.