Bill Haas returns to golf for the first time since he was involved in a fatal car crash prior to last month’s Genesis Open. The American is joined at Florida’s Valspar Championship by the likes of Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy in a star-studded field which also includes the likes of Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and defending champion Adam Hadwin.
Haas will take part in his first tournament since his friend Mark Gibello died in a car crash outside of the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles three weeks ago. In his first interview since the accident the returning American told the Associated Press:
"There's just no real way to explain life, why it happens and how it happens. You can't take tomorrow for granted. You have to enjoy today and prepare for tomorrow. All that said, I still feel like I have to go compete. I can't just say golf doesn't matter. That's what I do. I think that's what Mark (Gibello) would want."
In last year’s Valspar Championship Hadwin held on for a one-shot victory over Patrick Cantlay - to claim his first PGA Tour success - which meant he had to reschedule his honeymoon as the victory booked him a spot at the Masters for the first time in his career. The Canadian, 33/1, is now bidding to become the first ever player to retain their title at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, and third player to bag multiple wins at the event.
Tiger Woods, 30/1, makes his debut at Valspar as he bids to continue his progress on the tour since returning from injury. The American carded a 12th place finish at the Honda Classic last month, and a T23 at the Farmers Insurance Open in January, but he’ll now have his sights set on a first top-10 finish since 2015 (11/4, Bet 365). McIlroy also plays at the Valspar Championship for the first time in his career as he goes in search of his first PGA Tour win since his Tour Championship success back in September 2016 (14/1).
Unlike any of the other main contenders in the outright betting for glory (see odds below) the 17/2 favourite Jordan Spieth has actually won the tournament. The 24-year-old tasted success three years ago, and after three top-20 finishes in his last three tournaments in 2018 he’ll be gunning to grab his first win of the year as the Masters draws ever closer.
Henrik Stenson is well worth a look at 18/1, considering that he has finished 7th, 11th and 4th in his last three appearances at the Florida event, whereas Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose can be backed at 16/1 and 18/1 respectively. 2017 Masters champion Garcia makes his first showing at the event since he came 7th in 2013, while Rose has four top-15 finishes at Innisbrook in 10 years.
66/1 shot Charl Schwartzel won the Valspar Championship in 2016, and finished 6th last year, while Patrick Reed (70/1) has two top-7 standings in three appearances.
Valspar Open: Last 10 Winners
2017 - Adam Hadwin
2016 - Charl Schwartzel
2015 - Jordan Spieth
2014 - John Senden
2013 - Kevin Streelman
2012 - Luke Donald
2011 - Gary Woodland
2010 - Jim Furyk
2009 - Retief Goosen
2008 - Sean O’Hair
