Title: Underdogs to Watch: Valspar Championship

As the Valspar Championship approaches at the renowned Copperhead Course in Innisbrook Resort, we've identified some intriguing sleeper picks that could shake things up. Will this be the year a surprising contender takes home the trophy? Let’s dive into the profiles of these potential breakthrough players.

Nicolai Højgaard (+7000)

At just 24, the Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard is making waves on the PGA TOUR. With three wins on the DP World Tour, he has showcased a remarkable comfort in high-pressure situations. His performance this season has been solid, with three cash finishes in four starts, including two top-20 placements. Remarkably, he leads the TOUR in greens in regulation and excels in putting from within 10 feet. Given his established skill set, Højgaard is a name to watch as he attempts to make history at Copperhead.

Stephan Jaeger (+1000)

Stephan Jaeger is known for his explosive play, but it's his recent form that's turning heads this season. With a T3 finish at the Sony Open and a T6 at the Mexico Open, he's proved he knows how to navigate challenging courses. His previous attempts at Copperhead haven’t landed him in the top 25, but with experience on the course, his performance could surprise many. Could Jaeger finally turn his course knowledge into a top finish?

Matti Schmid (+900)

German golfer Matti Schmid has been a name to keep on your radar. He’s known for his all-or-nothing approach, which can lead to high rewards. This season, he has secured three top-25 finishes and recently finished T6 at the Puerto Rico Open. Last year, he showed promise at Copperhead, finishing T17. With a mix of power and skill, Schmid could deliver a strong performance if he finds his rhythm.

Kevin Roy (+280)

After making a successful return to the PGA TOUR at 35 years old, Kevin Roy has put together an impressive string of performances. His statistics reflect his growing prowess on the course: he ranks second in total driving and impressively within the top 20 in various categories, including greens in regulation and adjusted scoring. Having finished T12 at Copperhead last year as a sponsor exemption, Roy will be looking to build upon that momentum.

Karl Vilips (+600)

While it seems unusual for a recent winner to be labeled as a sleeper, the case is strong for Karl Vilips following his win at the Puerto Rico Open. Currently positioned behind seasoned players like Adam Scott and Ryan Fox, Vilips's confidence is soaring after meeting high expectations. Fresh off his victory, he’ll look to harness his winning momentum, which will be crucial as he faces experienced competitors in his second appearance at the Valspar Championship.

Keep your eyes peeled for these underdogs, as any one of them could very well rise to the occasion and change the outcome of this year’s tournament. Will there be a new champion from this group? Only time will tell!