News Summary
Jacob Bridgeman takes a narrow one-shot lead into the final round of the Valspar Championship, showcasing his exceptional putting skills throughout the tournament. The 25-year-old golfer from South Carolina has quickly risen through the ranks during this year’s PGA Tour, now ranking No. 22 in FedEx points. With strong contenders closely following him, including Viktor Hovland and Byeong Hun An, the final round is set to be a thrilling competition.
Jacob Bridgeman Takes One-Shot Lead into Final Round of Valspar Championship
The excitement is palpable as Jacob Bridgeman heads into the final round of the Valspar Championship with a slim one-shot lead. This up-and-coming golfer from Inman, South Carolina, has made quite a name for himself during this year’s PGA Tour’s Florida Swing, showcasing a confident putting game that has caught everyone’s attention.
Bridgeman’s journey has been a thrilling one. At just 25 years old, he has climbed the ranks from a tie for second at the Cognizant Classic to a recent solo third finish at the Valspar. He also had a tie for 15th at the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational and tied for 50th at the Players Championship. His current standings are impressive, boasting a No. 22 rank in the FedEx points race and hitting the No. 70 spot in the world rankings.
This talented golfer secured a coveted Korn Ferry Tour spot in 2023 after finishing second in the 2022 PGA Tour University Program, with an eye on furthering his PGA Tour aspirations in 2024. As he continues his sophomore year on the Tour, Bridgeman describes this season as a “learning curve”, revealing that he now feels more at ease with his game compared to last year.
A Steady Rise and Remarkable Putting
Since the beginning of the year, Bridgeman has made a significant leap in the world rankings, improving from No. 189 to 70. While he ranks 90th in shots gained off the tee, it is his prowess around the greens that really stands out, as he sits at an impressive 27th in that category. His putting stats are particularly remarkable; Bridgeman is 15th from 15-20 feet, 3rd from 10-15 feet, and 2nd from 4-8 feet. During the Valspar Championship, he made a staggering 366 feet of putts and required only 97 putts for the entire tournament!
Bridgeman has firmly established that putting is a “great equalizer” in the game of golf, enabling players to score well even amid off days in other aspects of their game. In the third round of the Valspar, he managed to shoot a solid 2-under-par 69, despite experiencing some challenges with his ball-striking. Bridgeman has maintained the lead or shared it in each of the tournament’s first three rounds, demonstrating immense composure under pressure.
His comfort level while playing on Bermuda grasses is paying off, given that he grew up on such terrain. Just two weeks ago, he shot a remarkable final-round 64 at the Cognizant Classic, which helped him secure second place. Though he faced a tough start to the 2025 season, missing the cut in three of his first five tournaments, his recent performances on the East Coast have truly amplified his skills and confidence.
Challengers in the Mix
As the final round approaches, Bridgeman is not the only player fans are watching closely. Viktor Hovland, who trails just a shot behind, is working through some swing issues that have affected his play. He has the potential to turn things around quickly, given his undeniable talent. Other strong contenders, including Byeong Hun An, Ryo Hisatsune, Shane Lowry, and Xander Schauffele, stand two shots behind and are eager to capitalize on any opportunity to sneak past Bridgeman.
As for the cut, it was set at 2-over par, leading to some surprising exclusions. However, not all was lost; Justin Thomas managed to capture attention with a 6-under 65, catapulting himself into the top ten on the leaderboard. Meanwhile, Jordan Spieth earned a respectable finish with a 3-under 67 that moved him into the top 20.
Another name worth keeping an eye on is Nico Echavarria, who tied at 7 under par and emphasized his experience heading into the final showdown. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, golf enthusiasts are in for an exhilarating final round at the Valspar Championship.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Bridgeman Leads Hovland Contention at Valspar
- Golfweek: Valspar Championship Updates
- KSL: Bridgeman Leads Valspar
- Google Search: Jacob Bridgeman Valspar Championship
- ESPN: Hovland, Bridgeman, Echavarria at Top of Valspar
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
