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Im Eagles to Lead at Valspar Championship
20 Mar
Summary
- Sungjae Im leads Valspar Championship with two eagles.
- Brandt Snedeker, seeking his first win in eight years, is one shot back.
- Copperhead course plays firm and fast, challenging golfers.
- Several players like Horschel are running out of time to qualify for the Masters.
Sungjae Im has taken the early lead at the Valspar Championship, carding a 7-under 64 in the opening round. His performance was bolstered by two remarkable eagles, including a 35-foot putt on the first hole and an 18-foot putt on the 11th. Despite a couple of bogeys on his closing holes, Im's strong showing placed him one shot ahead of the field.
Veteran golfer Brandt Snedeker, playing on a sponsor's exemption, surprised many with a bogey-free 65, marking his best score at Innisbrook in 14 years. Snedeker, who has not won in eight years, credited a recent switch to a mallet putter for his improved putting.
Other notable performances included Davis Thompson at 66, and Billy Horschel, who is under pressure to secure Masters qualification, at 67. Jacob Bridgeman and Xander Schauffele achieved rare bogey-free rounds to finish at 68. Corey Conners also had a standout moment with consecutive eagles, finishing his day at 69 alongside Jordan Spieth, who experienced a late-round stumble.
