Past Valspar Champion – known for wearing a Titleist bucket hat.
But why the Bucket Hat?
Story and Photos by: Pat Eastman
Peter Malnati first started wearing a yellow bucket hat in honor of Australian golfer, Jarrod Lyle. Lyle passed away in 2018 at 36 years old after a long battle with Leukemia. When Lyle was just 17 years old, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He had battled through all the symtoms, but when his Leukemia resurfaced for a third time, he succumbed to the disease. Lyle had made it to the PGA Tour, playing in 121 events. He had two top five finishes with official money at $1,875,416. He never won on PGA Tour but won twice on Nationwide Tour.
Lyle had worn the trademark yellow Titleist bucket hat and a trademark Leuk the Duck head cover. After his passing, his fellow golfers wore a “Leuk the Duck” pin in his honor. Some like Peter Malnati wore his trademark yellow hat.
After a while, Peter decided to wear his own Titleist bucket hat for his own Sun Protection. Peter’s family had a history of Melanoma cancer. His sister, Gina Simpson, at 17 years old was diagnosed with Melanoma in her shoulder. The Melanoma was surgically removed. Gina is now 43 and cancer free. Peter’s mother, Donna, had skin cancer removed from her face and today is cancer free.
Peter realizes it is a priority to protect himself from the sun. He will continue to wear his bucket hat, sunscreen up, and regularly go to his dermatologist. He keeps his two boys protected with sunscreen, protective clothing, and they even have their own bucket hats.
When Peter won the Valspar Champion in 2024 and returned to defend his victory in 2025, Tournament Director, Tracy West purchased the signature bucket hats for every volunteer.
Tracy also purchased 500 bucket hats to distribute to first 500 fans during the first round of the 2025 tournament. The hats, all in the Valspar 2025 Color of the Year, “Encore,” showed up on golfers around Tampa Bay throughout the following year. Clearwater Golf Club member, Bruce Hartmann, wearing one of the 500 hats.
When Peter Malnati steps on to the first tee of the “Valspar Championship” on the Copperhead golf course at Innisbrook Resort in 2026, you will see him wearing his trademark Titleist bucket hat and flashing his big trademark SMILE that we all remember for 2024.
There are still tickets and specialty packages available for the 2026 Valspar Championship. There is still Sponsorship Partners programs available for event as well.
HISTORY IS ALIVE AND WELL at the VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP
The Valspar Tournament turns 25. I know… that in itself is amazing that “The Most Colorful Tournament on the PGA Tour,” has been in the St. Pete / Tampa Bay area celebrating its’ cool Silver Anniversary.
Before that, the Copperheads (the Non-Profit Tournament Committee that operates the Valspar Championship) is turning “50.” The original tournament in the area was the JC Penny Classic and featured players for the LPGA and PGA Tours respectfully. The final champions for the JC Penny Classic in 1999 where none other than… John Daly andLaura Davies. In 2000 the tournament transitioned into the Full Field PGA Tour event we all know as the “VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP. “Thank you Copperheads.”
Pat Eastman
Clearwater, FL resident likes to walk 9 holes daily. Except on Friday, I work as Hospice volunteer. Enjoy my summers in Hyannis, MA.
Retired MA elementary school teacher. Starting in 1981 spent summers covering PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, Champion Tour, Legends of the LPGA Tour, and USGA tournaments. Some of my favorite photos were of Sam Sneed, Jan Stephenson, Tiger Woods, and Kenny Perry.