Sungjae Im takes lead into the weekend on the firm and fast Copperhead course

The 27-year-old South Korean player rallied on the back nine to edge ahead of David Lipsky.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:06am

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Sungjae Im held onto the lead on a breezy Friday afternoon in the Valspar Championship, shooting a 2-under 69 to get to 9-under 133, one stroke ahead of David Lipsky. After missing two straight cuts in his return from a wrist injury, Im birdied the par-5 11th and par-4 12th holes and broke a tie for the lead with a 7-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th.

Why it matters

Im is seeking his third PGA Tour victory, having won the 2020 Honda Classic and 2021 Shriners Children's Open. The Copperhead course at Innisbrook is known for its firm and fast conditions, making Im's performance even more impressive as he looks to continue his strong play on the weekend.

The details

Im had three bogeys and two birdies on the front nine, then birdied the par-5 11th and par-4 12th holes. He broke a tie for the lead with a 7-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th. Lipsky, who is winless on the PGA Tour, had a 65 with four birdies on the front nine and two more on the 10th and 11th holes.

  • Im shot a 2-under 69 on Friday to get to 9-under 133.
  • Im had a one-shot lead over Lipsky after the second round.

The players

Sungjae Im

A 27-year-old South Korean player who has two PGA Tour victories, the 2020 Honda Classic and 2021 Shriners Children's Open.

David Lipsky

A player who is winless on the PGA Tour, he shot a 65 on Friday with four birdies on the front nine and two more on the 10th and 11th holes.

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What they’re saying

“The important thing, well, the most important thing is that I can get my drives into the fairways. If I do that, then I will be able to give myself good chances. There's just a lot of danger out there on the course.”

— Sungjae Im

“It was excellent. I did everything well. Missed it in the right spots, holed the putts early on to get some momentum going. That finishing stretch is obviously tough, so able to save a couple pars down on 16 and 18 and really kept the round going.”

— David Lipsky

What’s next

Im will look to maintain his lead and secure his third PGA Tour victory on the weekend, while Lipsky will aim to break through for his first career win.

The takeaway

Sungjae Im's strong performance on the firm and fast Copperhead course at Innisbrook has him in position to capture his third PGA Tour title, showcasing his ability to adapt to challenging course conditions as he continues his ascent on the tour.