2023 Valspar Championship leaderboard: Jordan Spieth eyes first victory of season sitting one back of lead

Jordan Spieth looks to make adding the 2023 Valspar Championship to his game schedule worthwhile as he enters the final round in Innisbruck one stroke away from Adam Schenck. With Spit not playing in Tampa since 2018, Valspar’s inclusion could be the catalyst for his summer if he turns that opportunity into a win.

The 2015 champion started his day of moving very impressively. Turning the possibility of an eagle on the first hole, Spit’s name immediately rose to the top of the leaderboard, where it remained until a scarecrow on the last hole robbed him of his share of the lead. Another birdie on the 5th pushed Spit to 8 under before the final 12 holes of the rollercoaster had five bogeys, four birdies and three par. While the Texan could bounce back after every missed shot, Spit’s up-and-down nature could make way for someone else to sneak into the winning circle at Copperhead Field.

Englishman Tommy Fleetwood looks destined to win the PGA Tour sooner rather than later; he will start Sunday tied with Spieth one drift from Schenk. With a win on the DP World Tour this fall, Fleetwood is poised for the ultimate breakthrough on US soil, but he will need to go through not only the 54-hole leader, but Spit, one of the biggest names in the game.

Leader

1. Adam Schenk (-8): Playing in his 10th tournament in as many weeks, Schenk’s iron man mentality should stand him in good stead in what will no doubt be a tough final round with an attacking Spit and a relentless Fleetwood hot on his heels. He got almost everything right through 54 holes, but as we saw earlier, that could change quickly on Sunday. While he may not have a PGA Tour win, Schenk has already competed in the event and it may be those lessons that will lead him to his first win.

Other contenders

T2. Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood (-7)
T4. Webb Simpson, Taylor Moore, Cody Gribble (-6)
T7. Patton Kizzir, Wyndham Clark, Matt Wallace (-5)
T10. Chad Ramey, Zach Blair, David Lingmert, Michael Thompson, JT Poston, Davis Riley (-4)

In the 2022-2023 season, players like Jason Day and Ricky Fowler shone, hinting at their prime. Simpson looks set to be the next to experience a resurgence as it was battling for the former US Open winner after suffering a neck injury last winter. Having missed the top 10 since the 2021 RSM Classic, the 37-year-old is looking to not only hit his best record in a long time, but possibly claim his eighth PGA Tour title.

“I’m just happy to be late on a Saturday. We were tired of waking up at 7 am on Saturdays when I was doing cuts. But it’s wonderful. I have been successful in the past,” Simpson said. “Nerves in a good way. Nice to be back. But it was a long time ago. [Sunday]I’m just glad that I have a chance. The work we’ve put in over the past few weeks is paying off and it’s been fun.”

Spieth is officially trending

It’s hard not to love Spit’s trajectory, especially with an Augusta National tournament on the horizon. Having caught fire on the green in the first round, Spit has put in an all-out effort over the past two days. He ranks sixth in both teeing to the green and teeing. His rebounds have been good and if he can show a resurgence with his scoring clubs on Sunday, Spit could pass Schenk.

Valspar 2023 Championship Betting Choice

Odds via bookmaker Caesars

• Jordan Sleep: 13/5
• Tommy Fleetwood: 33/10
• Adam Schenk: 18/5
• Taylor Moore: 9-1
• Webb Simpson: 12-1
• Wyndham Clark: 16-1
• Cody Gribble: 22-1
• Matt Wallace: 30-1

Spieth is the previous winner here and is the bright star of this group. With only one hit to Schenk, Spit could very well wipe out that supply by the time the first hole is over. He shoots superbly from the tee, which is quite rare, and I expect him to turn that good driving behavior into a win in what will probably be his last hitting competition ahead of the 2023 Masters. (Get ready.)

Rick Gehman and Greg DuCharme talk about Moving Day at Copperhead Course. These are storylines, scorecards and betting favorites in the third round of the Valspar championship. Follow and listen to The First Cut at Apple Podcasts And Spotify.