Golf is a game that can break your heart, but it can also inspire incredible comebacks. The story of Will Zalatoris is one such tale, a journey that has seen its fair share of highs and lows.
Just a few years ago, Zalatoris was the talk of the golf world. He was a rising star, a young talent with a bright future. He had already achieved so much, winning a FedEx Cup playoff event and finishing as the runner-up at the prestigious Masters in 2021. His ranking soared to No. 7 in the Official World Golf Ranking, and it seemed like the sky was the limit.
But here's where it gets controversial: Zalatoris' journey took a turn, and not in the way anyone expected. From 2020 to 2024, he consistently performed well in major tournaments, akin to a reliable, healthier version of Brooks Koepka. Yet, despite his seven top-10 finishes, including three runner-up spots, he never quite grabbed that elusive major title. He came close, losing in a playoff at the 2022 PGA Championship and narrowly missing out on another playoff at the U.S. Open that same year. It was a frustrating period for Zalatoris, who appeared destined for greatness.
And this is the part most people miss: beneath the surface, Zalatoris was battling a silent enemy - a recurring back injury. This injury has plagued him for years, forcing him to withdraw from tournaments and undergo multiple surgeries. It's a cruel twist of fate for a player who seemed to have it all.
Zalatoris' journey has been a rollercoaster. He withdrew from the 2022 BMW Championship, sidelining him for four months until the 2023 Sentry. He played a few events early in 2023 but then had to pull out of the Masters, undergoing a microdiscectomy in April of that year. He returned eight months later at the Hero World Challenge, only to see his ranking plummet due to a lack of top-10 finishes in 2024. The injuries kept coming, forcing him to withdraw from the 2025 PGA Championship and undergo disc replacement surgery, keeping him out for another eight months. His most recent apparent left ankle injury has only added to his woes.
Despite these setbacks, Zalatoris remains optimistic. After his most recent back surgery, he noted that the recovery process was much smoother than before. He likened his first back surgery to taking broken pieces out of a Jenga tower, and this latest surgery was like replacing those missing pieces. He even gained a quarter of an inch in height through the procedure!
Zalatoris is determined to change his swing to reduce the torque on his back. He's using Patrick Cantlay and Tiger Woods as inspiration, players who have also battled back issues. He believes that by learning from their experiences, he can find a way to execute his game without further injury.
There's a glimmer of hope for Zalatoris' future. He's shown some positive signs, finishing solo 15th on the DP World Tour and tying for 18th at The American Express in Palm Springs. However, the question remains: can he fully recover and regain his former glory? It's a tough road ahead, but Zalatoris is determined to prove his doubters wrong.
Golf can be a cruel sport, but it's also a sport of second chances. Will Zalatoris be able to write his comeback story? Only time will tell. What do you think? Can he make a successful return? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
