Thousands of spectators gathered for one of the most colorful stops on the PGA Tour in Palm Harbor. Golfers have been competing at the Valspar Championship throughout the week, with March 22 marking championship day.
It was a beautiful day for golf, with sunny skies and shaded areas across the course offering relief for spectators.
This year’s tournament had record-breaking attendance, and 2,500 volunteers helped bring the event to life.
One volunteer said the tournament has been one of the best experiences she has had.
Attendee John DiCaprio, from St. Pete Beach, said it was his first time attending the tournament and that he was eager to see who would be crowned the winner. He said he came to watch Jordan Spieth compete.
“I like golfing, so I like seeing the professionals get out on the green and show us how bad we really are,” DiCaprio said.
He said the course and event were well organized and maintained.
“I love the course. I love the rolling hills. It doesn’t feel like Florida,” DiCaprio said.
Heading into the final round, Sungjae Im held a two-stroke lead, with Brandt Snedeker and David Lipsky tied behind him. The winner would receive $1.638 million.
“I had some stumbles on 12 and 13, but I was really happy that my play was good on the finishing stretch, 16 through 18, and I’m really thrilled about the birdie on the final hole,” Im said in an interview.
Im maintained the lead despite a wrist injury that had sidelined him for two months.
David Lipsky, who entered the final round near the top of the leaderboard, said the moment meant everything to him.
“It means the world. It means everything. That’s what I dreamed of as a little kid,” Lipsky said.
The leaderboard tightened throughout the final round, with a four-way tie for first place at one point.
As the final groups approached the 18th hole, the crowd grew anxious to see who would come out on top.
Matt Fitzpatrick and Adrien Dumont de Chassart made their way to the final green, drawing loud cheers from spectators. When it was Fitzpatrick’s turn to putt, the course fell so silent you could hear the crowd holding its breath.
Starting the day in fifth place at 8-under, Fitzpatrick surged up the leaderboard to win the 2026 Valspar Championship by one stroke, finishing at 11-under.
“Relief, celebration, and happiness,” Fitzpatrick said when asked how it felt to sink the final putt.
He said he was frustrated about missing earlier putts, but kept pushing through.
Lipsky finished in second place, followed by Jordan Smith in third. Xander Schauffele and Im tied for fourth.
From early-round uncertainty to a big finish on the 18th green, the championship delivered a tense and exciting conclusion, adding another memorable finish to the Valspar Championship.
Golfers competing on the course. Valspar Championship March 22, 2026.
Golfers practicing. Valspar Championship March 22, 2026.
Golfers on the final hole and winner photos. Valspar Championship March 22, 2026.
