Senden Snatches Valspar from Na

Aussie Rattles Copperhead With One-Stroke Victory

Chris Duthie

Pro golf’s version of March Madness took center stage Sunday when John Senden capitalized on two wild and unlikely late birdies to claim the Valspar Championship. The 42-year-old Australian earned $1,026,000 for the win as well as a coveted invitation to next month’s Masters Tournament in Augusta.

“I didn’t turn my phone on because I know there’s going to be 4,000 messages,” said Senden, whose last PGA Tour victory was the 2006 John Deere Classic. “It feels good to do it again after seven years. Lot of good things to come.”

Senden’s heart-thumping victory was decided on Innisbrook Resort’s famed Copperhead course, where the final three holes are known as “The Snakepit” due to their penal, poisonous bite. Senden charmed the trio with a chip-in birdie from 70 feet on 16 (one of only two birdies in the final round at the toughest hole on the course), canned a 20-foot birdie putt on 17, then parred the 18th with a tap-in that started 40 feet from the hole.

This, on a course where John Daly carded a 90 during the second round, a career worst score for the two-time major champion.

Senden finished at seven-under 277, one stroke ahead of Kevin Na and three strokes better than Robert Garrigus, who blew a four-stroke lead and may have fallen victim to playing partner Na’s famously deliberate play.

Freddie Wins in Newport

Fred Couples birdied the final two holes of the Toshiba Classic in Newport Beach, CA, and won this 10th Champions Tour title with a one-stroke victory over Colin Montgomerie, Bernhard Langer and Steve Pate.

Couples’ 15-under 198 performance put his name back on the trophy he previously won in 2010.

“It was a great day,” said Couples. “I was a little salty out there at times. I assumed someone would get to 16 under. I’m just happy I made some birdies.”

NEXT UP

PGA Tour: Arnold Palmer Invitational; March 20-23; Bay Hill Club & Lodge; Orlando, FL
LPGA Tour: JTBC Founders Cup; March 20-23; Wildfire GC; Phoenix, AZ
Champions Tour: Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic; March 21-23; Fallen Oak; Biloxi, MS

RELATED LINKS

Daly Shoots 90 at Valspar Championship

What’s So Tough About ‘The Snake Pit’?

Report: Inkster to Captain Solheim Team in 2015

Chris Duthie is a contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer, the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.