Valspar Championship continues driving community success

Ronde Barber’s life could have gone in several directions following a legendary career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He decided to help propel a local PGA Tour tournament’s community impact.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer’s name is now synonymous with the Valspar Championship. Barber is the co-general chair of the golf tournament, which generated a nearly $74 million economic impact in 2024.

The PGA Tour event teed off Monday and will again raise over $1 million for local charities before the world’s best golfers split an $8.7 million purse Sunday afternoon. Barber called it “pretty cool” to play an integral role.

“The event has grown a lot for the last 10 years,” Barber told the Catalyst. “To see what it’s become from what it once was when I first got involved – not because of me, but just seeing how it’s grown in the 10 years I’ve been around – has been pretty amazing.”

Unlike other professional sports, charitable organizations own and operate every PGA Tour tournament. Copperhead Charities oversees the Valspar Championship at Palm Harbor’s Innisbrook Resort.

Barber now leads Copperhead Charities, which has distributed over $51 million to Tampa Bay nonprofits. The tournament also annually provides thousands of pounds of food to local families.

The surrounding community needs the Valspar Championship’s economic and philanthropic impact more than ever following an unprecedented hurricane season. Barber believes NBC’s global broadcast will highlight the area’s resiliency.

“Despite all of our adversity, we’re going to find a way to keep going,” Barber added. “And that’s really a testament to this area.”

Ronde Barber with a young fan at the Copperhead 5K charity race.

Studies underscore the Valspar Championship’s increasing success. Tournament director Tracy West said the University of South Florida found that it generated a $55 million economic impact in 2015.

According to a Visit St. Pete-Clearwater consultant, that number soared by nearly $20 million over the past decade. West said an over $1 million annual gift to roughly 70 local charities “means a ton.”

“Some organizations get $5,000, and some get six figures,” she said. “But to be able to help so many different organizations that are so critical to providing services in the Tampa Bay region is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

West noted that NBC would broadcast the three-day tournament to 220 countries. Viewers will see the local beaches and commentators mention “all the wonderful things there are to do in Pinellas County” before and after commercials.

In addition to supporting tourism, West believes the tournament increases the quality of life for area residents. “The more pro sports in a community, the better,” she said.

Tickets remain available, and entry is free for kids under 15.

West said “a lot of people are still hurting” from the hurricanes, and the tournament provides a relatively affordable, fun escape during spring break.

In 2023, the PGA Tour named the Valspar Championship its “most fan-first event.” Barber credited the tournament’s fun yet “chill vibe.”

He credited “purposeful” activities and zones for ensuring all demographics can enjoy their time at the tournament. “We love bringing people who aren’t golf fans to the course and letting them enjoy what Tampa Bay and Palm Harbor, specifically, have to offer,” Barber said.

The tournament’s winner will receive $1.72 million and 500 FedEx Cup points. Barber, who helped lead the Bucs to their first Super Bowl victory in 2003, said Tampa Bay has become a prominent place for professional sports.

However, he compared the Valspar Championship’s $8.7 million purse to the PGA Tour’s “lower-middle class.” Barber said that underscores the event’s importance to the sport’s top 50 ranked players as “they’re not coming to make the most money.”

“They’re coming because it’s a great course,” Barber continued. “It’s got great availability for their families. And the course is a great test of golf.”

Harry Hill attempts to save a misguided shot at the 2024 Valspar Championship. Photo by Mark Parker.

Paint conglomerate Sherwin-Williams and its Valspar brand have sponsored the tournament since 2014. The company recently renewed its commitment through 2030.

Copperhead Charities has operated PGA Tour-sponsored events in the area since 1977 and hosted the first tournament in 2000. Barber noted it previously lacked a repeat sponsor, and Valspar is now on its third renewal.

“I think that familiarity amongst the players makes us attractive,” he said. “You know what you’re going to get out of this tournament – and the group that puts it on. We keep trying to grow it bigger and bigger, and we have a great partner to do that.”

Barber didn’t have a foundation when his decorated NFL career ended in 2013, and West asked him to host an event at Innisbrook. He received an invitation to join the Copperhead Charities board the following year, despite a complete unfamiliarity with the organization and tournament operations.

Barber soon realized participation brought him closer to a sport he “already loved” and the tournament’s community impact. His increasing involvement, a “no-brainer,” ensures a local sports icon remains a fixture throughout Tampa Bay.

“I have a great tournament director in Tracy (West), who has a great staff,” Barber said. “They make it fun and worthwhile for me to attach my name to it. It’s very mutual, how much we appreciate working with each other.”

For tickets to the 2025 Valspar Championship, visit the website here.