Bold statement: Will Zalatoris isn’t done yet—he’s fighting back from a wall of injuries that could redefine his career, for better or worse. And this is the part most people miss: the road to a major comeback in golf isn’t a straight line, especially when a player’s body has betrayed them for years.
Golf can be incredibly brutal, and Zalatoris’ arc over the past few seasons starkly illustrates that fact. A few years ago, he looked like a breakthrough star: a FedEx Cup playoff win, a runner-up at the 2021 Masters, and a climb to as high as number 7 in the Official World Golf Ranking. From the 2020 U.S. Open through the 2024 Masters, he resembled a “Diet Brooks Koepka” in majors—consistently elevating his game on the sport’s biggest stages. He collected seven top-10s in majors, including three runners-up, and he was within reach of playoff pressure at key events like the 2022 PGA Championship and the 2022 U.S. Open.
Yet in golf there are no guarantees. Recurrent injuries have marred Zalatoris’ peak years, forcing him off course and away from his best form. The latest hurdle is a left ankle problem that caused him to withdraw before the Cognizant Classic; the severity isn’t fully clear, but his history suggests back issues have been the true saboteur in recent seasons.
At only 29, Zalatoris has endured a tumultuous stretch tied to his back. Here’s a timeline to clarify what’s happened:
- 2022 BMW Championship withdrawal led to a four-month layoff until the 2023 Sentry.
- Early 2023 limited play; he withdrew from the Masters and then underwent a microdiscectomy in April.
- Returned eight months later for the Hero World Challenge.
- 2024 season: three top-10 finishes, but a steep drop in the Official World Golf Ranking.
- 2025: withdrew from the PGA Championship, followed by disc replacement surgery and an eight-month absence. In 12 starts last year, his best finish was a share of 12th.
- Now a left ankle issue adds to the list of health concerns.
These challenges have left Zalatoris well outside the top 250 in the OWGR, a stark contrast to where he stood just a few years ago.
Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Some signs point toward a potential rebound. After his latest back surgery last spring, doctors recommended eight weeks of near-immobility, and Zalatoris described that recovery as easier than the first time around. He compared his initial back surgery to removing broken pieces from a Jenga tower and described the newer procedure as replacing missing parts, even noting he actually gained about three-quarters of an inch in height.
During the American Express, he indicated a turning point: for the first time in four years, he wasn’t plagued by sciatica, and he reported increased gym work and improved ability to perform movements he hadn’t been able to do in years. He emphasized that the primary goal now is consistent execution on the course.
On the swing mechanics, Zalatoris is actively working to reduce torso torque and side-bend in the downswing, drawing inspiration from players who’ve endured similar injuries, such as Patrick Cantlay and Tiger Woods. He’s candid about the mental hurdle that accompanies repeated surgeries: the first back operation may be survivable, the second often tests confidence and resilience in ways that are tougher to measure than physical recovery.
Recent competitive steps include a solo 15th at the DP World Tour and a tie for 18th at The American Express in Palm Springs. He didn’t qualify for several marquee events recently, so the Cognizant Classic was framed as a potential return to form.
There remains a flicker of hope that Zalatoris can reestablish himself as a premier player—though the path back isn’t guaranteed, and the odds aren’t simply reset to zero after surgeries.
Golf’s cruelty is well known, and Zalatoris’ story embodies that truth. I’ve admired his talent since his Wake Forest days, where he stood out as a brilliant college player and carried that potential onto the Tour. His unconventional putting stroke and fragile back gave him a distinctive narrative, and the memory of his majors runs remains vivid. He has endured substantial scar tissue—physically and mentally—and plenty of fans want to see him regain full confidence.
The question remains: can he return to his former heights, or will the injuries leave a lasting imprint? Is Zalatoris cooked, or can he stage a meaningful comeback after years of setbacks? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Top Photo Caption: Will Zalatoris had to remake his swing after two back surgeries. (GETTY IMAGES/Jed Jacobsohn)
