Valspar 2024 Picks and Odds: Nick Taylor is our Dark Horse Pick
Another Round of Golf | March 18, 2024
As the 2024 Valspar Championship gears up to unfold at the scenic Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) in Palm Harbor, Florida, the golfing community buzzes with anticipation. Hot on the heels of a gripping showdown at THE PLAYERS Championship, where Scottie Scheffler edged out to a dramatic victory, the focus now shifts to this week’s contenders, with Xander Schauffele and Sam Burns leading the charge in the betting odds.
Schauffele Sets the Pace
Xander Schauffele, coming off a strong performance that saw him just a stroke behind Scheffler at THE PLAYERS, emerges as the early favorite with odds tightening from +900 to a more favorable +850. Schauffele’s consistent form this season, boasting five top-10 finishes in seven starts, underscores his readiness to vie for the top spot at the Valspar Championship. His previous outing at this event saw him finish in a commendable 12th place, setting the stage for a potentially stellar performance this year as he hunts for his first victory since the 2022 Genesis Scottish Open.
Burns Eyes a Comeback
Not far behind in the odds is Sam Burns, listed at +1200, a golfer with a remarkable track record at the Copperhead Course. Burns, a two-time Valspar Championship victor (2021 and 2022), fell short of a three-peat last year but returns with the confidence of his past successes and four top-12 finishes in five starts here. Despite a less-than-ideal finish at THE PLAYERS, Burns’ overall season form, featuring four top-10 finishes, suggests he’s a strong contender for reclaiming his title.
Thomas and Spieth: Ready to Challenge
Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, both with commendable histories at Innisbrook and noteworthy odds to win, are poised to make significant impacts. Thomas, initially opening at +1200 before moving to +1500, looks to rebound from recent setbacks, including a missed cut at THE PLAYERS. Nonetheless, his record of top-12 finishes when making the cut this season speaks volumes about his potential. Meanwhile, Spieth, whose odds have shifted from +1400 to +1700, aims to recapture the magic of his 2015 victory at the Snake Pit, especially after a disappointing outing at THE PLAYERS.
Dark Horses and Key Contenders
The field is packed with talent beyond the leading names, with golfers like Nick Taylor, Tony Finau, Brian Harman, Sungjae Im, and Cameron Young, all within striking distance according to the odds. Each brings a unique set of skills and recent form that could see them emerge from under the radar to challenge for the championship.
As the Valspar Championship unfolds, it promises to be a battleground for both seasoned pros and emerging talents, all looking to leave their mark on the Copperhead Course. With its strategic challenges and the prestige of victory on the line, this tournament is set to add another thrilling chapter to the PGA Tour season. Whether it’s Schauffele’s quest for redemption, Burns’ pursuit of glory, or the potential for a surprise contender to rise, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown in Palm Harbor.
Nick Taylor: The Finisher
In the landscape of potential dark horses for the Valspar Championship, Nick Taylor emerges as an intriguing pick. His performance in the 2024 season has been noteworthy, currently standing 12th on the money list with an impressive earnings total of $5,591,050. This financial success is backed by solid performance, with Taylor making the cut in 7 out of his 8 appearances, showcasing both consistency and skill.
His standing is also commendable in the FedEx points rankings, where he’s placed 11th. This position is indicative of his competitive edge and potential to make significant strides in upcoming tournaments. Taylor’s journey in last week’s Players Championship further highlights his capability; he kicked off the tournament on a high note with an outstanding 66 on Thursday, followed by a strong 68 on Friday. This fiery start had him in the thick of contention for the tournament victory.
However, a critical moment came with a bogey on the 4th hole during the third round, a stumble that unfortunately derailed his momentum towards clinching the title. Despite this setback, Taylor’s performance up until that point was a testament to his ability to compete at the highest levels and challenge the leaderboard.
Given Taylor’s current form, winning the 2024 WM Phoenix Open, earnings, and standing in the FedEx points rankings, along with his promising start at last week’s Players Championship, he is positioned as a compelling dark horse pick for the Valspar Championship. His proven track record this season suggests that he has the potential to surprise and outperform expectations at Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course.
*All odds subject to change.
