Pro Golf Now
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 11
Next
Apr 24, 2021; Avondale, Louisiana, USA; Scottie Scheffler on the 1st tee 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; Scottie Scheffler on the 1st tee during the third round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

Scottie Scheffler is back playing his own ball after a fairly successful stint with Bubba Watson at last week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Scheffler admitted during the tournament that neither was the other’s first choice (or second, third, etc.) for a partner, but they found enough chemistry to finish T-8th and contend through 54 holes.

Scheffler is making his Valspar Championship debut. Without course history to lean on, I’ll give the Texan’s recent form to entice you.

He advanced all the way to the championship in his WGC-Match Play debut last month. He also was also in the top 10 at Phoenix (T-7th) and the WGC at Concession (5th) this year. Counting the Zurich, Scheffler’s made four cuts in a row including T-18th at the Masters.

The 24-year-old’s bomb and gouge style game doesn’t synch perfectly with Innisbrook, which is why I’m hesitant to slide him higher up the rankings. The fairways are still average size, however, and there are spots where length can still be useful.

Scheffler is 13th on the PGA Tour in strokes gained off the tee (.564) and can hit the ball a mile. Not to mention his short game has been solid this season at 28th in SG around the green (.331).

Normally racking up birdies isn’t priority number one at the Valspar Championship. If the conditions stay benign this week, that could help Scheffler’s case. He’s 14th in birdie average (4.41).

The big guy has won a lot at every level leading up to the PGA Tour. It’s only a matter of time, and this could be the place he finally breaks through.

Home/Golf Power Rankings