Conquer the 'Snake Fit'

Analysis of Innisbrook, the Battleground of the Valspar Championship

Conquer the ‘Snake Pit’.

On the 16th (Korean time), a special mission was given to the players participating in the PGA Tour Valspar Championship (total prize money $8.1 million), which opens at the Copperhead Course (Par 71, 7,340 yards) of Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida, USA. The last three holes, including holes 16 to 18, are considered the most brutal ‘closing three holes’ on the PGA Tour. Only by skillfully overcoming these holes can players collect the winner’s trophy.

This is the view of the 16th hole, the most critical point at Innisbrook. A large snake sculpture sticking out its tongue has even been installed on the teeing ground.

Innisbrook Resort is known for its notorious difficulty. It is nicknamed the ‘Snake Pit’ because of its winding, snake-like layout. At the 16th hole (Par 4), there is a large snake sculpture flicking its tongue. The pressure intensifies the moment players stand on the teeing ground. A precise tee shot avoiding the lake on the right side of the fairway is crucial.

The 17th hole (Par 3) has a narrow and elongated green. Even if players succeed in getting ‘on the green,’ depending on where the ball lands, ‘three-putt bogeys’ frequently occur. The 18th hole (Par 4) is uphill, and a series of large bunkers line the middle of the fairway. Depending on the tee shot, players must accept at least a one-stroke disadvantage.

Every year, holes 16 to 18 have been decisive. Jordan Spieth (USA) made a remarkable 9-meter winning birdie on the third playoff hole resumed at the 17th hole on the final day in 2015. Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) finished the 2016 playoff against Bill Haas (USA) with a ‘winning par’ on the 18th hole. Adam Hadwin (Canada) suffered a critical double bogey after his tee shot went into the water on the 16th hole in 2017 but breathed a sigh of relief with a ‘winning par save’ on the 18th hole.

On the other hand, Patrick Reed (USA) missed the chance to advance to the playoff due to a ‘three-putt bogey’ on the 18th hole in 2018. Sam Burns (USA) made a winning birdie on the second playoff hole resumed at the 16th hole last year, successfully defending his title. Burns showed exceptional charisma on this difficult course, scoring one under par on 12 holes during the four rounds last year and one under par on two playoff holes.

Burns aims for a three-peat victory at this year’s tournament. He is attempting a rare feat for the first time in 12 years since Steve Stricker (USA) won three consecutive John Deere Classics from 2009 to 2011. Strong contenders for the title include Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Keegan Bradley (all USA), Matthew Fitzpatrick, and Justin Rose (both England). Korea is represented by Byeong-Hun An, Sung-Hyun Kim, and Kyung-Hoon Lee.