Im takes the lead heading into Innisbrook’s final round; Snedeker joins the last group.
PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Sungjae Im positioned himself for a wire-to-wire triumph in the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook following a gradual start in his comeback from a wrist injury.
Brandt Snedeker was right alongside him in the final pairing, equipped with a new putter.
Im sank a sweeping 13-foot birdie putt on the par-4 18th hole Saturday, finishing with a 2-under 69 and establishing a two-stroke advantage over Snedeker, the 45-year-old U.S. Presidents Cup captain competing on a sponsor exemption, and David Lipsky.
Snedeker recorded birdies on three of the first four holes, finishing with a 67, while Lipsky posted a 70 on the sunny afternoon with temperatures reaching the low 70s and wind gusts up to 15 mph.
After missing two consecutive cuts in his return, Im led by a stroke after each of the initial two rounds in firm and fast conditions on the Copperhead course, shooting 64-69.
“I wasn’t able to practice for two months,” Im stated. “So I think many of my shots that I wasn’t satisfied with from last year I was able to correct once I resumed practicing, and it’s just been consistently improving.”
On Saturday, Im played the front nine at 3 under, with birdies on Nos. 1, 7, and 8. He bogeyed the par-4 12th and par-3 13th, then made the left-to-right putt on 18 to reach 11-under 202.
“I was really pleased with my performance on the finishing stretch, 16 through 18,” Im remarked. “And I’m very excited about the birdie on the final hole, and to have a two-shot lead heading into tomorrow.”
The 27-year-old South Korean golfer has two PGA Tour victories, the 2020 Honda Classic and the 2021 Shriners Children’s Open.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in this position,” Im noted. “I’m sure I will feel nervous, but the best I can do is just play my own game.”
Snedeker last won one of his nine PGA Tour titles in 2018 and has only two top 10 finishes in the past year. He switched to a mallet putter a few weeks ago and has been performing well on and around the greens this week.
“I finished strong, made some solid swings coming down the stretch,” Snedeker said. “Rolling the ball well, chipping effectively, if I can get my long game under control a bit, weβll have a good chance tomorrow.”
Lipsky recorded five birdies and four bogeys. He remains winless on the PGA Tour.
“It was a bit inconsistent,” Lipsky commented. “I didn’t hit as many fairways or greens as I would have liked. But overall, my short game and putting really saved me and kept me in contention.”
Matt Fitzpatrick, who finished second last week at The Players Championship, was at 8 under along with Marco Penge. They both shot 68.
Brooks Koepka was tied for 16th at 3 under after a 71.
