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2021 Valspar Championship: Top 10 power rankings at Innisbrook

By Mike Randleman

Mar 22, 2019; Palm Harbor, FL, USA; A view of "The Snake Pitt" statue outside the 16th hole during the second round of the Valspar Championship golf tournament at Innisbrook Resort - Copperhead Course. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2019; Palm Harbor, FL, USA; A view of "The Snake Pitt" statue outside the 16th hole during the second round of the Valspar Championship golf tournament at Innisbrook Resort - Copperhead Course. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2021; Avondale, Louisiana, USA; Viktor Hovland waits to play on the 9th green during the third round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2021; Avondale, Louisiana, USA; Viktor Hovland waits to play on the 9th green during the third round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

Viktor Hovland is gracing the Valspar Championship for the first time. He did contend, however, just 50 miles down the road earlier this year at the WGC-Workday Championship at Concession. The two courses aren’t all that similar, though playing well on Bermuda grass is a good sign.

Hovland is coming off a T-25th finish with fellow Norwegian, Kristoffer Ventura, at last week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The two were in contention through 54 holes before a tough Sunday dropped them 21 spots down the leaderboard.

The 23-year-old has shown consistency as a pro that goes beyond his years. Hovland has made 17 of his last 18 cuts worldwide dating back to the first week of March 2020. He’s already twice a PGA Tour winner and another this week would be the biggest of the bunch.

Hovland won twice in 2020 despite no tournaments for three months due to the pandemic. His first came early on at the Puerto Rico Open and the other came in December at the Mayakoba Golf Classic.

Hovland ranks fourth on the PGA Tour in strokes gained tee to green (.826). He’s the prime example of blending distance and accuracy with the driver as he’s 59th in driving distance (301.1) and 61st in fairways hit (63.65%).

If conditions are more benign at the Copperhead course than usual, that’s a good sign for Hovland. He’s 11th in birdie average (4.46). Hovland is also 24th in sand saves (58.82%).

The former Oklahoma State Cowboy finished T-21st at the Masters in his last individual event. Earlier in 2021, he placed top six at four straight events, including the WGC-Workday and Farmers Insurance Open (T-2nd).

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