Is Will Zalatoris’s Career Over, or Is a Comeback on the Horizon?
Golf can be an unforgiving sport, and few stories illustrate this better than that of Will Zalatoris. Just a few years ago, he was the shining star of the golf world—a young prodigy who had it all. With a FedEx Cup playoff win under his belt, a runner-up finish at the 2021 Masters, and a peak ranking of No. 7 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), Zalatoris seemed destined for greatness. From the 2020 U.S. Open to the 2024 Masters, he was the epitome of consistency in majors, often likened to a 'Diet Brooks Koepka' for his ability to rise to the occasion. Though he never secured a major title during this period, he amassed seven top-10 finishes, including three runner-up spots. He came agonizingly close to victory, losing in a playoff at the 2022 PGA Championship and missing another playoff by mere centimeters at that year’s U.S. Open.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite his early promise, recurring injuries have derailed Zalatoris’s career in recent years, leaving fans and critics alike wondering: Is he cooked, or can he still make a comeback?
The past few years have been a rollercoaster of setbacks for Zalatoris, primarily due to persistent back issues. In 2022, he withdrew from the BMW Championship, sidelining him for four months until the 2023 Sentry. He attempted a return in early 2023 but was forced to pull out of the Masters and undergo a microdiscectomy in April. After an eight-month hiatus, he returned at the Hero World Challenge, only to struggle through a full 2024 season with just three top-10 finishes, causing his OWGR ranking to plummet. Another withdrawal from the 2025 PGA Championship led to disc replacement surgery, costing him another eight months. And now, a left ankle injury has forced him out of the Cognizant Classic, adding another layer of uncertainty to his future.
At just 29 years old, Zalatoris has endured more physical and mental challenges than most players face in an entire career. His unconventional putting stroke and wiry frame, which may have contributed to his injuries, have become symbols of both his talent and his fragility. And this is the part most people miss... Despite these setbacks, Zalatoris remains optimistic. After his most recent back surgery, he described the recovery as smoother than previous attempts, likening it to 'replacing missing pieces in a Jenga tower' rather than just removing broken ones. He even gained three-quarters of an inch in height and reported being free of sciatica for the first time in four years. 'I’m pushing myself harder than ever,' he said during the American Express, adding that he’s finally able to do things he hasn’t been capable of in years.
Zalatoris has also been working to 'un-torque' his swing, drawing inspiration from players like Patrick Cantlay and Tiger Woods, who overcame similar back issues. His recent performances—a solo 15th on the DP World Tour and a tie for 18th at The American Express—offer glimmers of hope. But with his OWGR ranking now outside the top 250, the question remains: Can he truly return to his former glory?
Here’s the bold truth: Golf is fickle, and comebacks are rarely guaranteed. For a player as young as Zalatoris, the physical and mental scars of repeated injuries could be insurmountable. Even with a healthy back, regaining the confidence that once made him fearless in majors is no small feat. As he himself admitted, 'The mental side of it is very hard.'
I’ve been a fan of Zalatoris since his standout days at Wake Forest, and seeing his struggles is heartbreaking. If he can overcome these obstacles, it would be one of the most inspiring stories in golf history. But the road ahead is far from certain.
What do you think? Is Will Zalatoris cooked, or can he still make a triumphant return? Let’s debate it in the comments. One thing’s for sure: golf needs more players like him, and I’m rooting for him every step of the way.
