The entrance to its final three holes is guarded by Vessey's recognizable statue. In 2007, Copperhead's then-tournament director Gerald Goodman nicknamed the closing holes the “snake pit” because of their difficulty. The par-4, par-3, par-4 finish routinely challenged even the best PGA Tour golfers.
The Snake Pit is the three-hole stretch on the Copperhead Course comprising holes 16, 17 and 18. There's a statue of a big freaking snake heading into the Snake Pit, and it's kind of scary.
Larry PackardThe design of the course: Designed by Larry Packard, the 18-hole par-71 Copperhead Course features five tee boxes for golfers to choose from and runs nearly 7,300 yards during the Valspar Championship.
Known as the "Snake Pit," the par-4 16th (Moccasin), par-3 17th (Rattler) and par-4 18th (Copperhead) come at the end of pleasurable design and demand golfers' full attention. Copperhead was designed by Larry Packard, opened in 1972 and completely renovated in 2015.
The Bear Trap is one of the most demanding three-hole stretches in golf and, craftily, is placed near the very end of the 18-hole test. It was coined in honour of the legendary Jack Nicklaus who helped restore the par 70. A plaque and bear statue celebrate the challenge, if celebrate is the right word.
You need to stay at the resort or become a member to play on the courses. The most convenient way to play the courses is to book a stay at the resort with one of the golf packages with prices starting around $400 for a two-night stay. Another option is to become a member.
Monday - Thursday: Copperhead $85, Island $75, North & South $65. Friday - Sunday: Copperhead & Island Course $115, North & South Course $75.
Innisbrook opened in 1972, and the villas around the 900-acre property reflect the low-slung architecture of the time. Johnson spearheaded improvements throughout, though the actual golf course design by Larry Packard is timeless. The architect lived at Innisbrook and built more than 600 courses worldwide.
Many people believed that majors would come with eye-opening regularity for Thomas after 2017. Since that PGA title, Thomas has won nine PGA Tour events, including the 2021 Players Championship. But not another major.
Since 2000, seven players have played the Snake Pit (holes 16-18) in three-under par in round at the Valspar Championship.