I logged some research about Tampa this week. It’s a huge part of Florida that I didn’t know much about. The word Tampa literally means “sticks of fire” in the native Calusa language. I guess that’s pretty fitting for the players at the Valspar Championship this week at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club. At one of the toughest tests on the PGA Tour, pros will need to be spot on to claim the paintbrush trophy. Who’s excited to see a bunch of ads with chameleons?! If you’re not into that sort of thing, I guess the golf is good enough. Since 2007, every tournament has been decided by 2 strokes or less with 3 sudden death playoffs. Sit back and enjoy the show. This is just another week in paradise.
Gregatron’s Pick of the Week: Jim Furyk
Slim-Jim Furyk, the man whose hair retired long before he will, is on a hot streak heading into the Valspar. Fresh off a stoic performance last week at the Players where he nearly chased down Rory for another W in his Hall of Fame career, Furyk is looking to keep the trend alive. He has 3 top-tens this year, including his last two events, and is averaging 1.6 strokes gained total on tour this season. Now that he’s qualified for the Match Play next week in Austin, Furyk has his sights set on another high finish to propel him into the top-50 in the world and a Masters invite. He’s also a past champion of this event. I like what I’m seeing from Jimmy. Coming in hot!
Back to the Range Bro: Patrick Reed
When you look at Reed’s record at the Valspar, it’s hard to keep him on the naughty list. He has two 2nd place finishes, including 2018. He’s also had a consistent season with 6 top-25s in 9 starts, but only 1 top-ten. His short game and putting are his best stats, so hitting that hard draw around Innisbrook’s tight fairways may prove a bit of a challenge. Reed is also prepping for his title defense at Augusta in two weeks and is riding a closing 78 at the Players to fall out of contention. His season final round scoring average is 72 which hasn’t gotten him close to the leaders. I think he’ll be back at Augusta and will turn his season around, but it’s not this week.
Weekly Pick Scoreboard
Gregatron’s Picks of the Week
Events: 14
Wins: 1
Top-tens: 7
Top-25s: 10
Missed cuts: 1
Average Made Cut Finish: 15th
Back to the Range Bro Club:
Events: 14
Wins: 0
Top-tens: 4
Top-25s: 4
Missed cuts: 2
Average Made Cut Finish: 27th