After a near miss at The Players Championship, Fitzpatrick secures victory with a final round 68 at the Copperhead Course.
Category: Sports
Palm Harbor, Fla. – Matt Fitzpatrick turned disappointment into triumph on March 22, 2026, when he secured the Valspar Championship title with a birdie on the 18th hole, finishing one shot clear of David Lipsky. Fitzpatrick's final round score of 3-under 68 brought him to an impressive total of 11-under 273, marking his first PGA Tour win since April 2023.
Fitzpatrick's victory at the Copperhead Course at the prestigious Inniskrook Resort capped off a week of strong performances, particularly following a tough loss at The Players Championship just a week prior, where he had been edged out by Cameron Young on the final hole. “I think the big thing was I felt like I was playing well,” Fitzpatrick said after his win. “I wanted to continue that and felt like I had the confidence to do so. To do that for four rounds was special this week.”
The final round saw Fitzpatrick face a challenging course that had already taken its toll on many competitors. The Copperhead Course, known for its demanding layout, proved to be a stern test, with the greens becoming firmer and faster under the sun. Fitzpatrick managed to remain bogey-free throughout the day, a feat that many of his competitors could not achieve.
Fitzpatrick's path to victory included a key moment at the par-3 15th hole, where he sank a clutch 30-foot birdie putt to take the lead. Lipsky, who had been playing just behind Fitzpatrick, kept the pressure on by making a birdie on the par-5 14th, tying the two golfers at 10 under. “Hats off to Matt,” Lipsky said, acknowledging Fitzpatrick's performance. “I was right between clubs. I took a more aggressive play. Almost pulled it off. It was close.”
Meanwhile, Sungjae Im, who started the day with a three-shot lead, struggled significantly, shooting a 3-over 74. His early momentum faded after making five bogeys on the front nine, and he ended the tournament tied for fourth at 8 under. Im's collapse highlighted a broader trend seen during the Florida Swing, where several leaders have faltered dramatically on the final day.
Jordan Smith, another notable contender, finished third with a score of 9 under, just a shot shy of the leaders. Fitzpatrick's impressive performance earned him the victory and 500 FedEx Cup points and a $1.6 million prize, solidifying his position heading into the major season.
Fitzpatrick's win at the Valspar Championship marks his third career victory on the PGA Tour, a notable achievement considering the competitive nature of the field. “This is a big win for me,” he said. “It’s been a little bit of a dry spell, but to come back and perform like this feels incredible.”
David Lipsky, who has seen success on various international tours but was seeking his first PGA Tour title, finished with a strong showing, closing with a round of 70. His performance at the Valspar Championship, which included several birdies, has significantly improved his standing on the FedEx Cup points list, moving him to No. 33.
Other notable performances included Brandt Snedeker, who had a rough back nine after initially being tied for the lead. He ended up shooting a 76 to finish tied for 17th. Marco Penge, who had been among the leaders, also stumbled with bogeys on Nos. 12 and 16, finishing with a 71.
The tournament, which took place at the scenic Copperhead Course, has been a staple on the PGA Tour since 2000 and continues to attract top talent each year. The course, known for its challenging layout, was particularly unforgiving this week, with many players struggling to maintain their scores.
Fitzpatrick’s victory is expected to provide a boost of confidence heading into the upcoming Masters tournament, a major event where he hopes to continue his momentum. “I’m really excited about what’s to come,” he remarked. “Winning here has definitely set the tone for the rest of the season.”
With this win, Fitzpatrick has not only redeemed himself from last week’s disappointment but has also established himself firmly among the elite players on the PGA Tour. His ability to perform under pressure, especially on the closing holes, will undoubtedly serve him well moving forward.
Fitzpatrick's success at the Valspar Championship is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of golf, where fortunes can change rapidly and the mental game plays a huge role. The upcoming tournaments will surely be ones to watch, especially with Fitzpatrick now back on track and poised for more success.