Sungjae Im’s Moment of Truth at Valspar: When Droughts End and Captains Chase Glory

There’s something uniquely compelling about a Sunday at Innisbrook when two guys carrying the weight of unfulfilled expectations take the final pairing. That’s what we’ve got heading into this year’s Valspar Championship conclusion, and I’ll be honest—after 35 years covering this tour, these narratives still give me chills.

Sungjae Im arrives at the final round holding a two-stroke lead at 11 under, trying to end a drought that’s lasted since 2021. Next to him will be Brandt Snedeker, the 45-year-old veteran and incoming U.S. Presidents Cup captain, chasing his 10th tour victory for the first time since 2018. These aren’t household names in casual sports circles, but that’s precisely what makes this interesting.

The Im Drought: Talent Meets Opportunity

Let me be direct: Sungjae Im is too talented to have gone this long without a win. A 27-year-old with two Tour victories already in his résumé doesn’t just vanish from the winner’s circle by accident. I’ve watched enough golf to know that extended droughts usually stem from one of three things—injury, swing mechanics deteriorating, or psychological pressure building. With Im, I suspect it’s a combination of the second and third.

What strikes me about Im’s position here is that he’s not sneaking into this lead. After posting back-to-back rounds of 69 (two under each day), he’s grinding methodically rather than running away. That’s actually the sign of a player who understands his game and respects the field. There’s no desperation in his play—and that matters enormously on Sunday at a course like Innisbrook’s Copperhead layout, where control and patience usually trump aggression.

“Im, a 27-year-old from South Korea, enters the final round at Innisbrook alone atop the leaderboard at 11 under. After a third-round 69 — his second consecutive two-under round — the two-time Tour winner will sleep on a two-stroke lead.”

In my experience caddying for Tom Lehman back in the day, the players who end lengthy droughts are invariably the ones who stop thinking about the drought itself. They just play golf. Im’s steady approach suggests he might actually have that figured out.

Snedeker’s Window: The Captain’s Last Stand

Now, Brandt Snedeker at 45 is a different animal altogether. Here’s a guy who’s proven he belongs at the highest level, who’ll soon be shouldering the enormous responsibility of captaining the U.S. Presidents Cup team, and who’s been on the outside looking in for nearly eight years. That’s a long time in professional golf—longer than most careers last.

What I find fascinating is that Snedeker’s drought actually ended in 2018, not that long ago in absolute terms, but it feels like a lifetime in Tour years. Since then, the game has evolved, the competition has intensified, and younger players have established themselves. For a 45-year-old to contend in 2026 is genuinely noteworthy, regardless of whether he wins.

“Brandt Snedeker, the 45-year-old and upcoming U.S. Presidents Cup captain, will tee it up in the final pairing alongside Im as he seeks his 10th Tour victory.”

The captaincy angle adds another layer. Winning at the Valspar would give Snedeker tremendous credibility heading into that role. There’s nothing quite like a captain who’s recently proven he can still compete at the highest level. It changes the entire dynamic of team room conversations.

The Supporting Cast Keeps It Interesting

Let’s not overlook the challengers. David Lipsky, tied for second, along with Marco Penge and Matt Fitzpatrick just one shot back, represent the kind of deep, talented field that makes PGA Tour Sundays compelling. Fitzpatrick especially—a major champion who’s proven his pedigree—won’t be intimidated by anything.

Here’s the reality: the final-round coverage from 1-3 p.m. ET on Golf Channel and 3-6 p.m. on NBC will likely be tighter than the leaderboard suggests. Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course can produce dramatic swings on any given Sunday. I’ve seen five-shot leads evaporate by the 15th hole there. With PGA Tour Live providing early streaming coverage starting at 7:30 a.m. ET, we’ll have the luxury of watching this unfold almost in real time from start to finish.

Why This Matters Beyond Sunday

What I think gets lost in tournament coverage is that Sundays like this matter for more than just the immediate results. If Im wins, you’re looking at a player potentially reclaiming his trajectory toward stardom. If Snedeker wins, you’re witnessing proof that experience and resilience can still outmatch youth and freshness—a genuinely rare outcome in modern professional golf.

Even if neither wins, the fact that they’re in contention sends a message to the rest of the field that different narrative arcs are still possible out here. Not everyone has to be 25 and surging. Not everyone with a drought is finished.

Sunday at the Valspar will tell us which story gets written. Either way, I plan to be watching closely.

2026 Valspar Championship Final Round Tee Times (Selected Groupings)