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Five-Way Tie Leads Valspar Championship After Challenging First Round

Keith Mitchell, Stephan Jaeger, Jacob Bridgeman, Ricky Castillo, and Sami Valimaki share the lead at 4-under 67 as difficult conditions test players at the Copperhead Course.

Mar 14, 2025; Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA; Xander Schauffele eyes his putt on the eighteenth green during the second round of The Players Championship golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-Imagn Images/File Photo
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 14: Xander Schauffele of the United States plays his shot from the 11th tee during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 14, 2025 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA - MARCH 20: Sahith Theegala of the United States reacts to a putt on the 17th green during the first round of the Valspar Championship 2025 at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 20, 2025 in Palm Harbor, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA - MARCH 24: Peter Malnati of the United States poses with the Valspar Championship Trophy after the final round of the Valspar Championship at Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 24, 2024 in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Overview

  • The first round of the 2025 Valspar Championship concluded with a five-way tie for the lead at 4-under 67, featuring Keith Mitchell, Stephan Jaeger, Jacob Bridgeman, Ricky Castillo, and Sami Valimaki.
  • Challenging weather, including strong winds and rain, made scoring difficult on the Copperhead Course, renowned for its demanding layout.
  • Xander Schauffele, ranked No. 3 in the world, returned to competition after a rib injury and finished 1-under 70, tied for 26th place.
  • Defending champion Peter Malnati, seeking to become the third back-to-back winner in the tournament's history, faced a mixed start to his title defense.
  • The Copperhead Course, the longest par-71 on the PGA Tour this season, continues to test players with its 'Snake Pit' stretch and narrow fairways.