Golf can be a cruel sport, and the story of Will Zalatoris is a testament to its brutal nature. Once a rising star, Zalatoris' career has been plagued by injuries, leaving fans and experts alike wondering: Is he cooked, or is there a chance for a comeback?
Zalatoris, a former young prodigy, had the golf world in awe just a few years ago. He claimed victory in a FedEx Cup playoff event and finished as the runner-up at the prestigious 2021 Masters, propelling him to the 7th spot in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). From the 2020 U.S. Open to the 2024 Masters, he consistently performed well in major tournaments, securing seven top-10 finishes, including three second-place finishes. He narrowly missed out on winning the 2022 PGA Championship, losing in a playoff, and came agonizingly close to another playoff at the same year's U.S. Open.
But fate had other plans. Recurring injury woes have marred Zalatoris' recent years, casting doubt on his future in the sport. His latest setback is a left ankle injury that forced him to withdraw from the Cognizant Classic last week, adding to his history of health struggles. Typically, his back has been the main concern, causing him to withdraw from multiple tournaments and undergo multiple surgeries.
Despite his young age of 29, Zalatoris has endured a rollercoaster of a journey. He withdrew from the 2022 BMW Championship, leading to a four-month hiatus until the 2023 Sentry. He played a few events in early 2023 before withdrawing from the Masters and undergoing a microdiscectomy. After an eight-month recovery, he returned at the Hero World Challenge. In 2024, he played a full season but struggled, with only three top-10 finishes, causing a significant drop in the OWGR. The following year, he withdrew from the PGA Championship and underwent disc replacement surgery, resulting in another lengthy absence. And now, the ankle injury.
Zalatoris' current ranking outside the top 250 in the OWGR is a stark contrast to his former glory. But amidst the gloom, there's a glimmer of hope. Zalatoris remains optimistic, and his recent back surgery has brought some positive changes. He described the procedure as putting the missing pieces back into a Jenga tower, even gaining three-quarters of an inch in height. He expressed relief from sciatica and is pushing himself harder in the gym, feeling capable of things he couldn't do for years.
Zalatoris is making swing adjustments to protect his back, reducing side bends in his downswing. He draws inspiration from Patrick Cantlay and Tiger Woods, who overcame similar back issues. Despite some promising starts, including a 15th-place finish on the DP World Tour and a tie for 18th at The American Express, Zalatoris faces an uphill battle.
The question remains: Can Zalatoris reclaim his former glory? It's a controversial topic among fans and experts. Some believe his injuries have taken too great a toll, while others see a comeback as a possibility. Zalatoris' unconventional putting stroke and wiry frame, which may have contributed to his back issues, add complexity to his journey. The mental challenge of recovering from multiple surgeries is immense, as Zalatoris himself acknowledged.
The golf world is divided, and the outcome is uncertain. Will Zalatoris rise from the ashes or fade into obscurity? Share your thoughts in the comments below. It's a story that could inspire or break hearts, and we're all eager to see how it unfolds.
