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Peter Malnati can breathe easier now. His hard-fought victory at the Valspar Championship secured his access to the summer’s Travelers Championship. With a nerve-racking performance, Malnati found four birdies on his final nine holes, shooting a 4-under 67 to win by two at Innisbrook’s demanding Copperhead Course.
Malnati, a 36-year-old golf everyman known for his floppy bucket hat and yellow golf ball, now has a guaranteed spot in the Travelers Championship as a PGA TOUR winner. This event, held at TPC River Highlands in Connecticut, is considered to be the most fun golf course on the PGA TOUR by Malnati.
Xander Schauffele’s strong finish at the Valspar Championship also garnered attention. Despite faltering at the Players Championship, Schauffele posted an impressive eight-under in the clubhouse at Innisbrook, recalling a situation where Scheffler started the final day behind and ended up finishing nearly an hour before him while securing the win.
For Malnati, the victory marks an important milestone in his journey. Despite fielding multiple invites to the Masters, Malnati had always declined, preferring his first round at the renowned Augusta National to be after he qualified for the tournament.
The summer’s Travelers Championship now holds a special significance for Malnati, who is looking forward to showcasing his skills at the reduced-field Signature Event on the vibrant TPC River Highlands course. His hard-earned win at the Valspar Championship not only brought him a thrilling victory but also secured his place in a major event he holds in high regard.
Overall, Malnati’s triumph at the Valspar Championship not only opens exciting prospects for his future competitions but also marks a significant milestone in his professional career, ensuring his presence at the event he considers to be the most enjoyable on the PGA TOUR.
