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The 2015 Valspar Championship proved to be an excellent contest, taking us right to the end we saw Jordan Spieth take the title in a 3 way play-off with Sean O’Hair and Patrick reed.

Going into this year’s championship, now ranked No.1 we are sure that Jordan Spieth not only wants to defend his title but do so with a more convincing win. Yet somehow, like all golf tournaments, we don’t believe it’s going to be quite as simple as that!

There are some great golfers gracing the fairways this year and many of them in top form, no doubt looking to storm ahead.

Yet it isn’t just the competition Spieth has to be aware of. . . The Copperhead course has had a make-over, while not too drastic and sticking with its style and layout to the most part, there will still be some differences. The fairways and the Greens have been relayed, opting for the ever popular Celebration Bermudagrass and TifEagle Bermuda Greens, not to mention a couple of extra bunkers that may prove to be hazardous in the 4 day stretch.

The Copperhead, considered one of the toughest par 71s on the PGA Tour presents us with the Snake Pit; A final 3 hole challenge from the 16th – 18th that, like the Bear Trap a couple of weeks ago, may prove to be a crucial section of the Championship – not just as they are the closing holes.

After Spieth’s victory last year it has been said that the course favours accurate and consistent putters, though with narrow fairways, new foundations, large hazards and some sharp dog-legs we believe this weekend is going to come down to accuracy from the tee. We believe that Fairways in Regulation is going to be a crucial statistic for the winner of this tournament. While no doubt it’s important to hit the green, each player will need to navigate the course and take advantage of the fairways to optimise their spin and consistency in hitting greens.

Some players we will be looking out for:

Of course, Jordan Spieth. Defending his win from last year, ranked No.1 and in good form he has to be the one to beat. He will need a strong start for this weekend though otherwise it will be an uphill battle against some tough competition.

Patrick Reed and Sean O’Hair; these guys will be looking to take what they almost had last year!

Patrick Reed is no doubt notable as World No.10 having had a great end to 2015. He continued his form early on in 2016 at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions with 2nd place and have recently finished 6th at the AT&T Pebble Beach. Otherwise he is due a win and could look to turn his form back around this weekend. Sean O’Hair; winner of the Valspar Championship in 2008 and P2 last year. The Copperhead is not doubt a favoured course of his; ranked as one of the best putters inside 10 feet if he hits the greens in regulation he could be in for a strong finish.

Valspar also has the South African duo Louis Oosthuizen and Ernie ‘The Big Easy’ Els.

With a recent win under Oosthuizens belt at The Perth International and a former World Number 1 in Els these two could prove to be tough competition. Certainly a duo to keep your eyes on!

We can’t forget Danny Willett, his first appearance at The Copperhead this weekend so sure he will be raring to go. T3 at The Doral last week so a good groundings to get him ready for this weekend.

And of course Russell Knox, competing this weekend and we hope he is going to find his 2016 form. He had a great end to 2015 with a 1st place finish at the WBC-HSBC and T2 at the OHL Classic. Yet he hasn’t managed to continue that so far in 2016. Having been CUT twice and a highest place of T26 maybe this weekend could be his chance!

We believe this weekend is going to be a great competition and hope you all enjoy watching!

Keep an eye on the players mentioned above and see if you can spot the changes from last year and the players that fall behind in the Snake Pit.