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Sungjae Im Maintains Slender Lead at Valspar Championship as Defending Champion Hovland Exits Early

Posted : 21 March 2026

Sungjae Im moved into a solo lead at the Valspar Championship on Friday after a resilient second round at the Copperhead course. The South Korean star posted a two-under-par 69 to reach a nine-under total. This performance places him one stroke ahead of American David Lipsky as the tournament enters the weekend.

Im’s round was a tale of two halves during the difficult afternoon session in Palm Harbor. He struggled early with three bogeys on the front nine but recovered with a strong back-nine display. Birdies on the 11th, 12th, and a clutch seven-foot putt on the par-three 17th secured his position at the top.

The 27-year-old is seeking his third PGA Tour title and his first since the 2021 Shriners Children's Open. His performance is particularly notable as he recently returned from a persistent wrist injury. Before this week, Im had failed to make the cut in two consecutive tournaments during his recovery.

David Lipsky surged into second place after carding an impressive six-under 65 in the morning. Lipsky started his round aggressively with four birdies in his first six holes to set the early clubhouse target. Despite being winless on the PGA Tour, he displayed composure by parring his final seven holes.

The leaderboard remains crowded with Chandler Blanchet and Doug Ghim both sitting just two shots back at seven-under. Ghim’s round was highlighted by an eagle on the 11th, though late bogeys hampered his momentum. Meanwhile, England's Matt Fitzpatrick remains in contention at five-under following a steady performance on the firm greens.

A major story of the day was the departure of defending champion Viktor Hovland. The Norwegian struggled significantly, following an opening 70 with a disappointing four-over 75 on Friday. His early exit marks a surprising turn for the pre-tournament favorite at a venue where he historically excels.

Brooks Koepka remains a threat after a 67 moved him to four-under par for the tournament. Koepka sits in a tie for 10th place despite missing a short birdie chance on his final hole. Players will face even firmer and faster conditions as they compete for the title over the final 36 holes.

 

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