Full Breakdown
Sungjae Im Leads Valspar Championship After Third Round
3/22/2026, 4:52:40 AM
Sungjae Im Maintains Lead
Sungjae Im continues to lead the 2026 Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida, after shooting a 2-under-par 69 in the third round. This performance gives him a two-stroke advantage over Brandt Snedeker and David Lipsky, both tied for second at 9-under 204. Im's round included four birdies, notably a crucial 13-foot birdie putt on the par-4 18th hole, which solidified his lead heading into the final round.
Im, who has been recovering from a wrist injury, expressed his excitement about being in contention again, stating, "It's been a while since I've been in the lead like this... I'm sure I will be nervous, but the best I can do is just to play my own game." This marks his first lead after 54 holes in a PGA Tour event since 2021.
Brandt Snedeker's Strong Performance
Brandt Snedeker, the 45-year-old U.S. Presidents Cup captain, showcased a strong performance with a bogey-free 67. He began his round with three birdies in the first four holes and emphasized his improved putting, saying, "Rolling the ball so good, chipping the ball so good... we're going to have a good chance tomorrow." Snedeker is aiming for his first PGA Tour win since 2018, and his recent form has been promising, as he has made the cut for the first time since November.
David Lipsky's Erratic Round
David Lipsky also remains in contention, finishing the day with a 70. His round was marked by five birdies and four bogeys, reflecting an inconsistent performance. Lipsky noted, "The short game and the putter really saved me and kept me in it," indicating that while his long game struggled, his short game was effective enough to keep him competitive.
Other Contenders
Matt Fitzpatrick and Marco Penge are tied for fourth at 8-under 205, both shooting rounds of 68. Fitzpatrick, who recently finished second at The Players Championship, is looking to capitalize on his momentum. He remarked, "Everyone's here to try and win the golf tournament... if I was lucky enough to win, then it would be a great start to my season."
Official Statements & Responses
Sungjae Im's consistent performance has drawn attention as he seeks to end a nearly five-year winless drought on the PGA Tour. He has previously won the 2020 Honda Classic and the 2021 Shriners Children's Open. Im's focus on maintaining composure and executing his game plan will be critical as he approaches the final round.
What's Next
The final round of the Valspar Championship is set for Sunday, March 22, 2026. Im will aim to convert his lead into victory, while Snedeker and Lipsky will look to capitalize on any mistakes he may make. The competition remains tight, with several players within striking distance, making for an exciting conclusion to the tournament.
