History of Valspar Championship in Timeline

The Valspar Championship is a PGA Tour professional golf tournament held annually at the Copperhead Course in Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, located in Palm Harbor, Florida, near St. Petersburg. It is a prominent event on the PGA Tour schedule, attracting professional golfers to compete on the challenging Copperhead Course.

1960: JCPenney Classic Founding

In 1960, the JCPenney Classic was founded and held annually in central Florida.

1990: JCPenney Classic at Innisbrook

In 1990, the JCPenney Classic was held at Innisbrook.

October 2000: Inaugural Tournament and Presidents Cup Conflict

In October 2000, the Tampa Bay Classic tournament was founded as an alternate event, conflicting with the Presidents Cup.

2001: Tournament Cancellation due to September 11 Attacks

In 2001, the Tampa Bay Classic, scheduled for mid-September, was cancelled due to the September 11 attacks.

September 2002: WGC-American Express Championship Conflict

In September 2002, the Tampa Bay Classic was held the same week as the WGC-American Express Championship.

2003: Tampa Bay Event Schedule Slot

From 2003, the Tampa Bay event was scheduled in late October and early November as the last full-field event before the Tour Championship, with Chrysler Corporation as the title sponsor.

2004: Vijay Singh Sets Tournament Record

In 2004, Vijay Singh set the tournament record with 266 (−18) and won by five strokes.

2006: Tampa Bay Event Schedule Slot

From 2003 to 2006, the Tampa Bay event had a slot in the schedule to itself in late October as the last full-field event before the Tour Championship. The Chrysler Corporation was the title sponsor.

January 24, 2007: Sponsorship Agreement with PODS

On January 24, 2007, tournament officials and the PGA Tour announced a six-year sponsorship agreement with PODS of Clearwater, Florida.

2007: Move to March

Since 2007, the Tampa Bay event has been played in March after the Players Championship moved to mid-May.

June 4, 2008: Transitions Optical Named Title Sponsor

On June 4, 2008, Transitions Optical, Inc. was announced as the new title sponsor after PODS withdrew.

2012: Transitions Optical Leaves

In 2012, Transitions Optical left the event after the season.

September 2013: Valspar Corporation Becomes Title Sponsor

In September 2013, Valspar Corporation signed a four-year deal to become title sponsor of the event, now named the Valspar Championship.

March 9, 2016: Valspar Sponsorship Extended

On March 9, 2016, the PGA Tour, Valspar Corporation, and Copperhead Charities announced a three-year title sponsorship extension, carrying Valspar's commitment through 2020.