PALM HARBOR, Fla. – Lee McCoy grew up a par 5 from the first tee at Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course, home of the Valspar Championship. He used to ride his bicycle behind the 14th green and chain it to the fence and sneak in to watch the pros play.
McCoy, 22, isn’t trespassing this weekend. As the only amateur in the field, he’s playing on a sponsor’s invite and making the most of the opportunity.
“Oh, man, it’s great,” he said. “This pass gets me everywhere. I get free food.”
Of the thousands of estimated rounds he said he’s played here, the University of Georgia senior and Golfweek First Team All-American, shot his lowest score while matching the low round of the tournament with a 5-under 66 in the third round.