Is the Valspar Championship 2024 Bound to Fail? Justin Lower’s WD Makes the Count 5

The 2024 Valspar Championship has been surrounded by a thick cloud of darkness since its onset, both literally and metaphorically. After the event’s first round was suspended due to darkness setting upon the course, the latest update indicates that Justin Lower has now withdrawn before the onset of the second round of the event.

Withdrawals have been a common sight on the PGA Tour in recent times, for one reason or another. Lower’s withdrawal marks the fifth WD from the event that has come to light after the news of its postponement came out.

A total of three of these withdrawals were seen prior to the onset of the event which included J.B. Holmes, Aaron Wise, and Garrick Higgo. Now, Lower is the second player, following Erik Barnes, to withdraw since Round 1 started. This has led to an increase in suspicion regarding the potential causes of this WD spree.

While the common reason for such a withdrawal might be perceived as one relating to health conundrums or a potential move to LIV Golf, the same is not being reasoned out for Lower. It is currently being reported that it could probably be because of the golfer’s below-average performance and a series of unfortunate happenings that took place in the first round.

Lower finished round 1 with a score of 77 at Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course. One could wonder that the PGA Tour pro might have lost hope of making a comeback, and the weather might have just added to the frustration. He also stomped on his sand wedges and broke them in two parts following a dreaded bunker shot. With Lower and a few others out of the race, what does the cutline for the 2024 Valspar Championship look like?

What is the cutline for the 2024 Valspar Championship?

With a few events on the tour now not adhering to the traditional cut format, the Valspar Championship is going by traditional means. The field size will be reduced to the top 65 players after Friday’s game play is over. As per the estimation, it looks like the golfers, including the likes of Tony Finau, Matt Kuchar, Akshay Bhatia, and Ryan Fox, amongst many others, could miss the cut.

Read More: 2024 Valspar Championship: Unique Reason Behind Massive 154-Man Field Explored

Ryan Fox had a decent start at his last appearance, which was THE PLAYERS, wherein he shot the marvelous ace at the island hole and became the first player in tournament history to eagle holes 16 and 17 consecutively. He still missed the cut at TPC Sawgrass and might just miss it again after he shot 5-over 76. Fox had caught a virus before he teed up at the $8.4 million event’s second round. It remains to be seen what Friday’s final leaderboard will look like and how the event will turn out!

What are your thoughts about Justin Lower and Co.’s decision to sit out of the 2024 Valspar Championship? Do you think it was a wise decision or one driven by emotions? Share your valuable insights in the comments section below.

Read More: The 2024 Valspar Championship: Round 1 &2 Tee Timings and Pairings