Brandt Snedeker Impresses with Vintage 65 at Valspar Championship Opener
Brandt Snedeker opened the Valspar Championship with a vintage 65. The round felt like a return to form after a difficult stretch.
Round details
Snedeker carded six birdies and no bogeys. He closed the back nine in 30 and hit 14 of 18 greens.
He totaled 148 feet of putts made. The score left him one stroke behind early leader Sungjae Im.
Im posted a 7-under 64 to lead the early wave at the Copperhead course.
Health history and recovery
Snedeker underwent an experimental sternum operation in late 2022. Doctors treated a rare manubrium joint instability.
The procedure involved breaking and reattaching his sternum. He could not hit balls for more than five months and returned the following spring.
He says he no longer suffers pain. He does note reduced chest rotation and some lost mobility.
Recent form and status
The nine-time PGA Tour winner has struggled to regain earlier consistency. He missed the cut in his four starts this year.
Those missed cuts came at the American Express, Farmers Insurance Open, Cognizant Classic and Puerto Rico Open. He required sponsor invitations for Farmers and the Valspar.
Snedeker has played the Valspar 14 times previously. Last season he finished 126th in FedEx Cup points, leaving him with a priority ranking of 126.
Performance trends and role
He made seven cuts in 2024 and 13 cuts in 25 starts the prior year. Snedeker is 45 and serves as this year’s U.S. Presidents Cup captain.
Putter switch and strategy
Snedeker recently moved to a mallet-style putter. He first tried the new model in Puerto Rico a few weeks ago.
He credits the change with improved consistency inside six to eight feet. He also noted a few long putts finally dropping on Thursday.
Snedeker said his swing and short game feel better. He emphasized staying patient and executing a precise game plan.
Coverage by Filmogaz.com. Brandt Snedeker impressed with a vintage 65 during the Valspar Championship opener, signaling renewed confidence.
