The Valspar Championship begins at Innisbrook Thursday with many familiar names in the fold - Matt Kuchar, Bubba Watson, Parick Reed and Henrik Stenson among them, plus a couple of well-known senior types, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh. But no Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Jason Day or Phil Mickelson. Or Tiger Woods.

    Without the latter group, the tournament in Palm Harbor just doesn't take on the same kind of significance of many of the other early-season events, like next week's Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.

    Dustin appears to be elevating himself an iota above the others, as his unreal driving ability gives him a huge advantage that most can't overcome. He also has an excellent short game, and he can putt with the best. He won the $9,750,000 WGC-Mexico at 14 under and collected another $1,660,000 with which to buy Paulina more great outfits.

    Dustin edged Tommy Fleetwood by one, and Tommy's disappointment can be ignored while he cashes his check of $1,045,000. Ross Fisher and upcoming star Jon Rahm tied for third and earned $497,000 each. Phil stumbled in the finale to an even-par 71 after he was squarely in the hunt at 10 under after 54 holes - he tied for seventh and took home $211,667. (By the way, if there was a combined PGA/Champions event and Tommy Fleetwood was paired with Mac O'Grady their team could be dubbed Fleetwood Mac).

    The Valspar, with its purse of $3 million, has drawn four Gators - Billy Horschel, Brett Stegmaier, Brian Gay and the biggest question mark coming out of Gainesville, Matt Every, who hasn't been able to get out of his own way for many months. Seminole Daniel Berger will be there after he shot 6 under in Mexico and took home $105,125. Brooks Koepka was 2 over and still earned $55,500.

  

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