Is Will Zalatoris' Golf Career on the Decline?
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 Young Talent
Just a few years ago, Zalatoris was a force to be reckoned with. He won a FedEx Cup playoff event, finished as the runner-up at the 2021 Masters, and climbed to No. 7 in the Official World Golf Ranking. His performance in major tournaments was remarkable, with seven top-10 finishes, including three runner-up positions. He was on a path to becoming a consistent contender for major titles and a key player in American team golf and the PGA Tour.
However, the sport's unpredictability soon caught up with him.
Injury Struggles and Setbacks
Zalatoris' career took a turn due to recurring injury problems, which have been a constant challenge since 2020. His back issues have been particularly debilitating, forcing him to withdraw from several tournaments and undergo surgeries. The latest setback was a left ankle injury, adding to his growing list of health concerns.
- 2022 BMW Championship Withdrawal: Zalatoris had to withdraw from this event, sidelining him for four months until the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions.
- 2023 Masters and Microdiscectomy: He played a few events early in 2023 but then withdrew from the Masters and underwent a microdiscectomy in April. This surgery was followed by a lengthy recovery period.
- Hero World Challenge Return: Eight months after the surgery, Zalatoris returned to compete in the Hero World Challenge.
- 2024 Season Challenges: Despite playing a full season in 2024, he struggled with only three top-10 finishes and a significant drop in his OWGR ranking.
- 2025 PGA Championship and Disc Replacement Surgery: He withdrew from the 2025 PGA Championship and underwent disc replacement surgery, missing another eight months of competition. In his 12 starts last year, his best finish was T12.
- Left Ankle Injury: The recent left ankle injury further complicates his recovery and future prospects.
As a result, Zalatoris is now ranked outside the top 250 in the OWGR, a stark contrast to his previous status as a top-10 player.
A Glimmer of Hope?
Despite the challenges, Zalatoris remains optimistic. After his recent back surgery, he reported a much easier recovery process compared to his first back surgery. He attributes this to the replacement of missing pieces in his spine, which has also contributed to a slight increase in his height.
"This is the first time in four years that I haven’t had any sciatica down my legs," Zalatoris said during the American Express event. He has been pushing himself in the gym harder than ever, regaining strength and confidence.
Zalatoris is also working on his swing, aiming to eliminate the side bend in his downswing, a technique inspired by Patrick Cantlay and Tiger Woods, both known for overcoming back issues.
"It’s great because I’m able to go week in, week out, and now it’s just about executing," he said before the Cognizant Classic. He seems to be embracing the challenge, looking forward to putting his struggles behind him.
The Road to Recovery
Zalatoris has shown resilience and a positive mindset, but the question remains: can he make a full recovery and reclaim his place among the top golfers? His recent performances, including a solo 15th on the DP World Tour and a tie for 18th at The American Express, offer a glimmer of hope.
However, the road to recovery is fraught with challenges, and the sport's unpredictability could once again test his resolve. Golf fans and fellow players alike are eagerly awaiting his comeback, hoping that Zalatoris can rewrite his story and reclaim his place in the sport's elite.
The Uncertain Future
As Zalatoris continues his journey, the question of whether he is 'cooked' or 'coming back' remains open. The sport's brutal nature and his own injury history make it difficult to predict his future success. Will he be able to overcome these setbacks and regain his former glory? Only time will tell.
The golf world awaits his comeback with bated breath, hoping for an inspiring story that will inspire generations of athletes.
