Is Will Zalatoris' Golf Career Over? A Tale of Resilience and Uncertainty
Golf, a game of precision and endurance, can be unforgiving, especially for a young talent like Will Zalatoris. Once a rising star, Zalatoris has faced a series of setbacks that have left many questioning his future in the sport.
The Rise and Fall of a Golfing Prodigy
Just a few years ago, Zalatoris was on top of the world. He won a FedEx Cup playoff event, finished as the runner-up at the 2021 Masters, and climbed to an impressive No. 7 ranking in the Official World Golf Ranking. His consistency in major tournaments, from the 2020 U.S. Open to the 2024 Masters, was remarkable, with seven top-10 finishes, including three runner-up positions. The golf world expected him to become a fixture, competing for major titles, representing the U.S. in team events, and dominating the PGA Tour.
However, the sport's unpredictability caught up with him. Recurring injuries have been a constant challenge, forcing him to withdraw from several tournaments and undergo surgeries.
A History of Health Struggles
Zalatoris' back has been a recurring issue, with surgeries and withdrawals becoming a familiar pattern. Here's a breakdown of his struggles:
- 2022 BMW Championship: He withdrew, sidelining him for four months until the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions.
- 2023 Masters: He played a few events early in the year but had to withdraw and undergo a microdiscectomy in April.
- Hero World Challenge: He returned to play eight months later, showcasing his determination.
- 2024 Season: He played a full season but struggled, with only three top-10 finishes and a significant drop in his OWGR ranking.
- 2025 PGA Championship: He withdrew and underwent disc replacement surgery, missing another eight months. In his 12 starts last year, his best finish was T12.
- Left Ankle Injury: The latest setback, a left ankle issue, forced him to withdraw from the Cognizant Classic, leaving the severity unknown.
As a result, Zalatoris is now outside the top 250 in the OWGR, a stark contrast to his previous rankings.
A Glimmer of Hope?
Despite the challenges, Zalatoris remains optimistic. After his recent back surgery, he described the recovery process as much easier than his initial back surgery, where he had to remove broken pieces from a Jenga tower. This time, it was more about replacing missing pieces, and surprisingly, he gained three-quarters of an inch in height.
"This is the first time in four years that I haven’t had any sciatica down my legs," he said. "I’m pushing myself in the gym harder than I ever have. I’m able to do the things that I haven’t been able to do for years."
Zalatoris is also working on his swing, aiming to eliminate side bends in his downswing, drawing inspiration from Patrick Cantlay and Tiger Woods, who overcame back issues.
"It’s great because I’m able to go week in, week out, and now it’s just about executing," he said. "The part that’s fun about this now is that the three years of going through all this is over. The sciatica, the leg weakness, I haven’t had any of that."
Can He Rebound?
Zalatoris has shown glimpses of his former self, finishing solo 15th on the DP World Tour and tying for 18th at The American Express in Palm Springs. However, his absence from qualified tournaments like the WM Phoenix Open and Genesis Invitational raises concerns.
The question remains: Can he make a comeback? Golf can be cruel, and the mental toll of multiple surgeries is significant. Zalatoris' resilience and determination are admirable, but the road to recovery may be challenging.
The Uncertain Future
As a fan, it's thrilling to see a potential comeback story unfold. But the reality is uncertain. Zalatoris' physical and mental scars are a testament to his struggles, and the golf world eagerly awaits his next move.
Will Zalatoris' career be defined by these setbacks, or will he rise again? The answer lies on the course, where only time will tell.
