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2024 Valspar Championship Preview

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What a finish to the 50th playing of the Players Championship. Scottie Scheffler shot a final round record 64 to come from 5 back to beat a star studded leaderboard. If you are a golf fan and you haven’t seen the final round, do yourself a favor and take a look. It is a round you’ll remember for a lifetime.

This week the Tour makes its last stop on the Florida swing at the Valspar Championship. The event is once again being held on the Copperhead Course at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. Copperhead is a 7,340 yard par 71 that regularly plays as one of the toughest tracks on Tour. Although it is a Par 71, there are 4 par 5’s and 5 par 3’s. 3 of the par 5’s are the only 3 holes that average below par. Narrow fairways boarded by 3.75 inch rough are tree lined with multiple dog legs. Combined with significant elevation changes, many tee shots will be “less than driver.” Water comes into play on 6 holes. The green complexes are small, undulating and surrounded by bunkers. The Bentgrass Poa Trivialis greens typically run 12-12.5 on the Stimpmeter.

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While we don’t have to worry about Scottie going three in a row this week, there is a strong field at Copperhead. Players runners-up Xander Schauffele and Brian Harman lead the field that includes two time Valspar winner Sam Burns as well as Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Cam Young, Sungjae Im and Tony Finau.

As discussed above, with the tree lined dog legs, this is not a bomber’s course. Many competitors will choose less than driver off the tee as location for approach shots is paramount for success. Historically, SG APP (175-200) and SG APP (200+) are significantly higher (a combined 52%) at Copperhead than the Tour average. Other key stats this week will be SG Scrambling, SG ATG (Around the Green) and Bogey Avoidance.

This is my first tournament preview so I must say that while in the past I’ve had decent success in both golf betting and DFS, past results are no guarantee of future success. That being said, nobody has run colder this PGA season, so take my recommendations and do the exact opposite.

The weather this week must be taken into consideration. There is a ridiculous storm moving out of the Midwest into the Gulf of Mexico. Thek ONLY sure bet of the week is that the cut will NOT take place on Friday. For DFS and “One and Done”, I’m taking the unusual position of choosing golfers from the late/early wave. The forecast for the afternoon Thursday is benign. Friday into Saturday morning looks awful. The late/early guys might very well find themselves with a solid advantage.

I ran a model using the criteria I mentioned above and focused on golfers in the late/early wave. My “One and Done” this week is Nick Taylor. The competitors I’ll be using on Draft Kings include Taylor, Doug Ghim, Brian Harmon, Matt NeSmith and Andrew Novak.

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Scheffler vs. DeChambeau: A Tale of Two Golf Giants

A Clash of Styles in Modern Golf

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In the ever-evolving world of professional golf, few rivalries capture the contrast of style and substance like Scottie Scheffler versus Bryson DeChambeau. While both have claimed massive wins and global headlines, their paths to success and how they play the game couldn’t be more different. Here’s a deep dive into their strengths, weaknesses, career highlights, and what makes each stand out in today’s competitive landscape.

Backgrounds and Styles

Scottie Scheffler
The Dallas-born Scheffler embodies a classic, workmanlike approach to golf. Known for his calm demeanor, efficient swing, and remarkable consistency, Scheffler has risen to the top of the world rankings with little flash but elite-level substance. His game is built on balance, precision, and one of the most reliable tee-to-green performances the sport has seen in years.

Bryson DeChambeau
Nicknamed “The Scientist,” DeChambeau has taken an analytical and experimental approach to the game. He’s redefined physical fitness in golf, adding serious bulk to increase driving distance. Known for using single-length irons and obsessing over launch angles and biomechanics, Bryson is a true disruptor. His aggressive style polarizes fans and analysts, but it undeniably commands attention.

Strengths

Scheffler

  • Tee-to-Green Excellence: Leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained tee-to-green.
  • Consistency: Rarely misses cuts and often finishes in the top 10.
  • Short Game: Exceptional touch and creativity around the greens.
  • Mental Game: Composed under pressure; rarely rattled.

DeChambeau

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  • Driving Distance: One of the longest hitters in the game; regularly over 320 yards.
  • Innovation: Willing to take unconventional approaches for marginal gains.
  • Power Play: Dominates par 5s and shortens long courses with his length.
  • Confidence: Self-belief and boldness to attempt shots most won’t.

Weaknesses

Scheffler

  • Putting: Historically his weakest stat, though he’s shown improvement.
  • Media Presence: More reserved; lacks the big personality that moves the needle for fans and brands.

DeChambeau

  • Inconsistency: Can be volatile—either dominating or struggling.
  • Course Management: Aggressiveness sometimes leads to trouble.
  • Injury Risk: His physical transformation has come with some health setbacks.

Biggest Wins

Scottie Scheffler

  • The Masters (2022)
  • The Players Championship (2023)
  • Multiple WGC and Signature Events
    As of 2025, Scheffler has claimed over 10 PGA Tour titles and continues to rack up top finishes in majors and elite events.

Bryson DeChambeau

  • U.S. Open (2020)
  • Arnold Palmer Invitational (2021)
  • Multiple LIV Golf Wins
    DeChambeau made headlines by joining LIV Golf, where he’s claimed multiple high-stakes victories, including a team championship and a dominant individual LIV win in 2023.

Career Earnings

Scheffler:
Over $50 million in PGA Tour earnings alone, with additional income from endorsements like Nike, TaylorMade, and Rolex.

DeChambeau:
Estimated $60–$80 million, largely boosted by a reported $100+ million LIV Golf contract and additional prize money. His endorsements have shifted due to his controversial LIV move, but he remains a marketable figure.

Similarities

Both are U.S.-born and played collegiate golf (Scheffler at Texas, DeChambeau at SMU).

Each has reached the top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Both have won majors and represented the U.S. in Ryder Cups.

Each has shown a willingness to be different—Scheffler through quiet dominance, DeChambeau through outspoken innovation.

Key Differences

TraitScottie SchefflerBryson DeChambeau
Playing StyleTraditional, consistentAggressive, experimental
Physical TransformationMinimalExtreme (bulk and strength)
EquipmentStandard setupSingle-length irons
Public PersonaReserved, groundedOutspoken, controversial
Tour AffiliationPGA Tour loyalistLIV Golf convert

Final Thoughts

Scheffler and DeChambeau represent two archetypes in modern golf: one a quiet technician, the other a showman scientist. Whether you admire Scottie’s stoic efficiency or Bryson’s radical reinvention, both are changing the game in their own way. And in a sport where individuality meets performance, there’s room—and demand—for both.

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How to control your anger on the golf course

Golf is a game of precision, patience—and sometimes, pure frustration. Here’s how to manage your emotions when the pressure builds, and what we can all learn from high-profile blowups like Adam Hadwin’s sprinkler-smashing moment.

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Golf and Anger: A Tough Combo on the Course

Golf is often praised as a game of mental toughness. Yet even the most seasoned professionals are not immune to letting emotions get the best of them. Just ask Adam Hadwin, who, during the 2025 Valspar Championship, made headlines after smashing a sprinkler head in frustration during his round at Innisbrook.

The moment—caught on camera—spread quickly across social media, sparking debates around sportsmanship, mental health, and the psychological toll of high-pressure competition. But while it’s easy to point fingers, the truth is: golf is hard. And controlling anger on the golf course is a skill many of us are still trying to master.

Why Golf Makes Us So Angry

Let’s be honest—golf can feel cruel. One minute you’re striping drives down the fairway, and the next, you’re chipping back and forth across a green like you’ve never held a club before. It’s a game that challenges both your skill and your patience.

The mental pressure in golf is unique:

  • You’re often alone with your thoughts.
  • There’s time to stew between shots.
  • Every swing carries weight, especially in competition.
  • And most golfers are their own worst critics.

For pros like Hadwin, there’s the added layer of TV cameras, fans, sponsors, and expectations. But even for weekend warriors, the emotional stakes feel real.

The Consequences of Losing Control

Lashing out in anger might feel good in the moment—but it rarely helps your game. In fact, it often leads to a downward spiral:

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  • Loss of focus
  • Tension in the swing
  • Poor decision-making
  • Embarrassment or regret afterward

Hadwin’s sprinkler moment is a prime example of how pressure can boil over—even for seasoned tour pros. But it’s also a reminder that anger, if left unchecked, can sabotage your performance and your reputation.

How to Manage Anger on the Golf Course

So what can you do when the frustration starts to build? Here are proven anger management tips for golfers that can help you stay calm, focused, and in control.

1. Recognize the Warning Signs

Before you snap, your body often sends subtle signals—tight chest, clenched jaw, shallow breathing. Learn to recognize these cues so you can catch yourself early.

2. Have a Reset Routine

Pros like Jon Rahm and Collin Morikawa use breathing exercises, grounding techniques, or visual routines between shots. Try:

  • Taking a deep breath through your nose and exhaling slowly.
  • Looking at the treetops or sky for a few seconds to reset your focus.
  • Repeating a calming phrase like “next shot” or “stay loose.”

3. Walk It Off

Walking between shots gives you a chance to cool down—literally and mentally. Use that time to reset and detach emotionally from the last swing.

4. Use Humor or Self-Talk

Sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine. Making a light comment or reminding yourself it’s just a game can diffuse tension and help you stay grounded.

5. Set Process Goals, Not Outcome Goals

Instead of obsessing over score, focus on things you can control—like tempo, alignment, or course management. This shift in mindset can reduce frustration when things don’t go perfectly.

6. Keep Perspective

Ask yourself: “Will I remember this shot a week from now?” If not, it’s probably not worth the outburst. Golf is a lifelong game—one bad hole doesn’t define you.

Golf Is an Emotional Game—But It’s Also a Teacher

Every round presents an opportunity—not just to shoot a lower score, but to practice patience, resilience, and grace under pressure. Yes, moments like Adam Hadwin’s sprinkler smash are dramatic. But they’re also human.

The key isn’t to avoid frustration altogether—it’s learning how to respond to it.

So next time you chunk a wedge or lip out a birdie putt, take a breath. Channel your inner pro—not the angry one—and move on to the next shot with purpose.

Because in golf, as in life, how you handle the tough moments says more than any scorecard ever could.

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10 Golf Podcasts For Hackers To Download

Tips, Stories, and Entertainment

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For amateur golfers seeking to enhance their game, stay updated on golf news, or simply enjoy engaging discussions, podcasts offer a convenient and informative medium. Based on recommendations from reputable sources and golf communities, here are some top golf podcasts tailored for non-professional enthusiasts:

Hosted by CBS commentator Mark Immelman, this podcast features weekly interviews with instructors, coaches, players, and other golf experts. With over 700 episodes, it provides in-depth discussions aimed at helping golfers improve their skills.

A favorite among golf enthusiasts, No Laying Up offers a mix of tour coverage, player interviews, and discussions on various golf topics. It’s known for its insightful commentary and engaging content.

Featuring European Tour player Eddie Pepperell, this podcast provides a blend of tour insights and personal experiences, offering listeners a unique perspective on the professional golf scene.

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This podcast chronicles the journey of two amateur golfers striving to achieve a scratch handicap. It’s relatable for many non-professional players and offers both entertainment and insights into the challenges of improving one’s game.

Hosted by golf coach Mark Crossfield, this podcast delves into various aspects of the game, from equipment reviews to swing techniques, providing practical advice for amateur golfers.

Hosted by Rick Shiels, a former golf teaching professional from Bolton, this podcast covers a wide range of topics, including equipment reviews, interviews with golf personalities, and discussions on current events in the golf world.

Hosted by popular golfer Andrew “Beef” Johnston and comedian John Robins, this podcast offers a light-hearted take on the game, discussing various golf topics and sharing personal anecdotes.

This podcast explores the highs and lows of being a golf enthusiast, sharing stories and experiences that many amateur golfers can relate to.

Featuring instructors Mark Crossfield, Greg Chalmers, and Lou Stagner, this podcast discusses various aspects of the game, offering insights and tips to help golfers improve.

Hosted by Peter Finch, this podcast features discussions with various guests, covering a wide range of golf-related topics, from equipment to personal experiences.

These podcasts offer a variety of content tailored to amateur golfers, from instructional advice to entertaining discussions. Whether you’re looking to improve your game or simply enjoy golf-related conversations, there’s likely a podcast on this list that suits your interests.

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