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Golf21 Mar 20262 min read

Snedeker Defies Expectations, Contends for First Win Since 2018

At 45, Presidents Cup captain Brandt Snedeker fired a third-round 67 to position himself in contention at the Valspar Championship. The veteran is two shots behind leader Sungjae Im heading into Sunday, seeking his first victory since the 2018 Wyndham Championship.

Source: pgatour.com
Snedeker Defies Expectations, Contends for First Win Since 2018
Image via pgatour.com

Key Takeaways

  • 1.— While most PGA Tour professionals at the Valspar Championship emphasize driving accuracy on the demanding Copperhead Course, Brandt Snedeker is taking a different approach that has him in contention for his first victory in nearly eight years.
  • 2."So I'm going to have the most fun trying to prove people wrong and prove probably myself wrong that I can still do it." The Tennessee native's confidence in his putting ability could prove decisive on a course where precision around the greens often separates contenders from winners.
  • 3.Snedeker's last PGA Tour victory came at the 2018 Wyndham Championship, one of his nine career wins.

PALM HARBOR, Fla. — While most PGA Tour professionals at the Valspar Championship emphasize driving accuracy on the demanding Copperhead Course, Brandt Snedeker is taking a different approach that has him in contention for his first victory in nearly eight years.

The 45-year-old Presidents Cup captain shot a bogey-free 67 in Saturday's third round, positioning himself at 9-under par and just two shots behind leader Sungjae Im heading into Sunday's final round.

"The only thing I really care about when I'm putting is inside 6 feet," said Snedeker. "If I make my putts inside six feet, I'm going to have a good day."

Snedeker's putting prowess was on full display as he started his round four shots off the lead before making three birdies in his opening three holes, including impressive putts from 16 and 17 feet. He added another birdie at the 11th hole while maintaining a clean scorecard throughout.

Despite hitting only eight of 13 fairways and seven greens in regulation, Snedeker led the field in Strokes Gained overall for the round. His ability to score despite imperfect ball-striking highlighted the short game skills that have defined his career.

Snedeker's last PGA Tour victory came at the 2018 Wyndham Championship, one of his nine career wins. Since then, he has struggled to recapture that form while taking on the additional responsibility of captaining the 2026 U.S. Presidents Cup team.

"And nobody expects me to be here, to be honest with you, at 45. Nobody expects me to win tomorrow," said Snedeker. "So I'm going to have the most fun trying to prove people wrong and prove probably myself wrong that I can still do it."

The Tennessee native's confidence in his putting ability could prove decisive on a course where precision around the greens often separates contenders from winners. His experience in pressure situations, including his 2012 FedEx Cup championship, may serve him well in Sunday's final round.

With Sungjae Im holding the 54-hole lead, Snedeker will need to continue his hot putter while potentially improving his ball-striking to claim his 10th PGA Tour title. The final round promises an intriguing battle between Im's consistent play and Snedeker's veteran savvy.