In the gripping finale of the Valspar Championship, Peter Malnati’s journey on the back nine transformed from frustration to triumph. A seemingly short putt on the 12th hole surprisingly fell for a birdie, and a challenging shot on the 16th found Malnati in the rough, yet fortuitously close to a sprinkler head. This stroke of luck entitled him to a free drop, ultimately facilitating an easier par from the fringe.
However, the defining moment of victory was unmistakable. Engaged in a nail-biting contest with the ever-so-close Cameron Young, Malnati executed a masterful 5-iron shot against the wind on the par-3 17th, landing the ball just 6 feet from the hole for a birdie. This pivotal moment propelled him out of a tie, and he maintained his lead with a par on the final hole, finishing with a 4-under 67. This victory not only marked his second PGA Tour win but also secured his first-ever invitation to the Masters.
Reflecting on that crucial birdie, Malnati shared, “I remember telling my caddie I needed to make a 2. It was exhilarating to just go for it, not overthink, and watch the ball soar exactly as planned. It was an incredible feeling.”
Malnati’s victory was further solidified when Young, playing just ahead, faced difficulties on the final hole, ultimately taking a bogey for a 68. This marked Young’s seventh time as runner-up, still in search of his first win.
The day was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Malnati and Young navigating the challenging “Snake Pit” at Innisbrook in close succession. Malnati’s strategic play, especially on the 16th where he benefited from a free drop due to his ball’s proximity to a sprinkler head, kept him in contention. His birdie on the 17th was a testament to his precision under pressure.
Closing the tournament at 12-under 272, Malnati not only claimed the $1,512,000 prize but also earned a coveted spot in the Masters and a two-year exemption. His victory is particularly poignant as he is one of six player-directors on the PGA Tour board, a role that has brought its share of scrutiny.
Overcoming nerves and intense competition, Malnati remarked, “I was so nervous coming down the stretch. It’s indescribable. It’s just so cool.”
For Young, the outcome was a bitter pill, especially considering his near misses in major tournaments like the 2022 British Open and the 2022 PGA Championship.
The tournament also saw strong performances from Mackenzie Hughes of Canada and PGA Tour rookie Chandler Phillips, who tied for third. They were part of a dynamic final round that saw multiple leaders.
Hughes experienced his own set of challenges, losing his lead after a difficult approach shot on the 12th. Meanwhile, Keith Mitchell, who started the day ahead, encountered setbacks that left him trailing.
Malnati’s victory is a remarkable story of resilience and skill, marking him as the fifth player ranked outside the top 100 to win a PGA Tour event this year. Reflecting on his journey since his last win in 2015, Malnati acknowledged the increasing challenges but never lost faith in his ability to triumph again.