Golf21 Mar 20262 min read

Im Leads Valspar Championship Into Weekend; Lipsky One Back

Sungjae Im holds a one-shot lead entering the weekend at the 2026 Valspar Championship at 9-under par. David Lipsky trails by one after a bogey-free 65, while rookie Chandler Blanchet and Doug Ghim sit two shots back at 7-under.

Im Leads Valspar Championship Into Weekend; Lipsky One Back
Image via mypalmbeachpost.com

Key Takeaways

  • 1.The 2026 Valspar Championship enters moving day with an intriguing leaderboard as multiple players position themselves for a potential breakthrough victory.
  • 2.The final pairing of Im and Lipsky will provide the day's marquee storyline as both players seek their first PGA Tour victory.
  • 3.With several first-time winners potentially in the mix, the weekend promises compelling golf as players battle for position heading into Sunday's final round.

The 2026 Valspar Championship enters moving day with an intriguing leaderboard as multiple players position themselves for a potential breakthrough victory.

Sungjae Im maintained his lead through two rounds, sitting atop the leaderboard at 9-under par heading into Saturday's third round. The South Korean golfer has managed to stay ahead of a charging field despite increased pressure.

David Lipsky surged into contention with a flawless second round performance. The 37-year-old Los Angeles native carded a bogey-free 6-under 65 to move within one stroke of the lead and secure a spot in Saturday's final pairing.

Two shots behind Im at 7-under par, Doug Ghim finds himself in prime position for his first top-10 finish since 2024. Joining Ghim in the hunt is Gainesville's Chandler Blanchet, a PGA Tour rookie who recently finished second at the Puerto Rico Open just weeks ago.

Brooks Koepka authored one of the day's most impressive turnarounds, rebounding from near-miss territory to contention. The five-time major champion fired a 4-under 67 in the second round, vaulting from the cut line to within striking distance of the leaders.

Koepka now sits alongside several notable players at 4-under, including Tony Finau, Jacob Bridgeman, and Gary Woodland. This group remains well-positioned to make a weekend charge at Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course.

Saturday's third round begins at 7:35 a.m. ET, with television coverage starting at 1 p.m. on Golf Channel before transitioning to NBC at 3 p.m. Featured group coverage will be available on PGA Tour Live through the ESPN app starting at 7:45 a.m.

The final pairing of Im and Lipsky will provide the day's marquee storyline as both players seek their first PGA Tour victory. Im's steady play through the opening rounds has positioned him perfectly, while Lipsky's momentum from Friday's bogey-free round could prove crucial.

With several first-time winners potentially in the mix, the weekend promises compelling golf as players battle for position heading into Sunday's final round. The chase for the Valspar Championship title remains wide open with multiple storylines developing.