Sungjae Im shot a third-round 69 to take a two-shot lead at 11-under par in the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course. The South Korean overcame military training and a wrist injury that sidelined him for the first seven events. The third round paused briefly after a young spectator was hit by a golf cart.
Sungjae Im birdied the 18th hole—his third of the day—for a third-round 69, securing a two-shot lead heading into Sunday. His scores: opening 64 with two eagles, followed by back-to-back 69s, totaling 11 under par. It marks his first Sunday appearance in five months on the PGA Tour, last playing a final round at August's Tour Championship where he finished T27. Im then competed in three Asian events in October, including the Baycurrent, before a three-week military boot camp. Due to his 2023 Asian Games gold medal, he avoided South Korea's two-year service but completed basic training, posting on Instagram as “9th Marine Brigade 91st Marine Battalion” and reporting no injuries initially. A wrist injury followed, causing him to miss seven early-season events without touching a club for over 1.5 months—unprecedented in his 10-year pro career. He missed cuts at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Players Championship upon return. “After the wrist injury, I wasn’t able to practice for two months... I feel comfortable now,” Im said, noting swing improvements. “I’m really thrilled about the birdie on the final hole, and to have a two-shot lead going into tomorrow.” He seeks to end a 4.5-year winless streak, content with consistency including seventh straight Tour Championship qualification in 2025. Brandt Snedeker and David Lipsky stand at nine under in T2, with Marco Penge and Matt Fitzpatrick at eight under in T4. During Saturday's third round at the par-3 15th, play halted when a golf cart struck young spectator Shay, who ended up underneath but escaped serious injury after evaluation. Brooks Koepka, at T11 on four under, comforted her. “I just felt terrible for... Shay... as long as she’s okay, thankfully,” Koepka said.
