The 2026 Valspar Championship begins on Thursday, March 19, at Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course in Palm Harbor, Florida. Golf enthusiasts can expect a competitive atmosphere as top players kick off the first round.
Featured Player for Round 1
Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open champion, is a notable participant. After a challenging period post his 2022 victory, Fitzpatrick has shown a resurgence with a win at the DP World Tour Championship last fall. He’s also had a strong start to the 2026 PGA Tour season, missing no cuts and securing two top-10 finishes from his six events.
Recently, Fitzpatrick came close to winning at the 2026 Players Championship, finishing just one stroke behind Cameron Young after a bogey on the final hole. This performance serves as a motivational boost as he seeks his third PGA Tour title at the Valspar Championship. He will tee off at 1:03 p.m. ET, alongside Sam Ryder and Justin Thomas.
Watch the Tournament Live
Fans can tune into the first round coverage on Golf Channel from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET. For those seeking early access, PGA Tour Live will stream exclusive coverage starting at 7:30 a.m. ET on ESPN+.
2026 Valspar Championship Tee Times – Thursday Round 1
| Tee Time (ET) | Group |
|---|---|
| 7:35 a.m. | Alex Smalley, Justin Lower, Max McGreevy |
| 7:46 a.m. | Brandt Snedeker, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Takumi Kanaya |
| 7:57 a.m. | Thorbjørn Olesen, Chandler Phillips, Hank Lebioda |
| 12:30 p.m. | Patton Kizzire, Gary Woodland, Adam Hadwin |
| 1:03 p.m. | Sam Ryder, Justin Thomas, Matt Fitzpatrick |
| 2:15 p.m. | Patrick Fishburn, Isaiah Salinda, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen |
Participation and Features
With many prominent players in attendance, the tournament promises to deliver thrilling moments throughout. The Valspar Championship attracts attention from both fans and sports bettors alike, with options available at various sportsbooks.
For continued coverage and updates, fans are encouraged to stay connected with El-Balad.
