Golf has a way of breaking hearts, and Will Zalatoris’s story is a stark reminder of just how cruel this game can be. Once a rising star with a future as bright as the sun, Zalatoris seemed destined for greatness. Just a few years ago, he was the talk of the sport—winning a FedEx Cup playoff event, finishing runner-up at the 2021 Masters, and climbing to No. 7 in the Official World Golf Ranking. From 2020 to 2024, he was golf’s version of a nearly-man, consistently contending in majors with seven top-10 finishes, including three runner-up spots. He was centimeters away from glory at the 2022 PGA Championship and U.S. Open, and the golf world was convinced he was here to stay.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Zalatoris’s career now on life support, or can he defy the odds and reclaim his place among the elite? The past few years have been a nightmare for the 29-year-old, plagued by recurring injuries that have derailed his momentum. A faulty back has been his Achilles’ heel, forcing him to withdraw from tournaments, undergo surgeries, and endure months of recovery. His latest setback? A left ankle injury that sidelined him from the Cognizant Classic, leaving fans wondering if he’ll ever return to form.
Let’s break it down. Zalatoris’s injury timeline reads like a medical drama: a microdiscectomy in 2023, a disc replacement surgery in 2025, and now this ankle issue. His ranking has plummeted to outside the top 250 in the OWGR, and his 2024 season saw just three top-10 finishes. And this is the part most people miss: Despite the physical toll, Zalatoris remains optimistic. He describes his latest back surgery as replacing missing pieces in a Jenga tower, and he’s even grown three-quarters of an inch taller. He’s working tirelessly to ‘un-torque’ his swing, drawing inspiration from players like Patrick Cantlay and Tiger Woods, who battled back issues of their own.
Yet, the question lingers: Can he truly come back? His recent performances—a solo 15th on the DP World Tour and a tie for 18th at The American Express—offer a glimmer of hope. But golf is as much a mental game as it is physical, and Zalatoris admits the repeated setbacks have taken a toll. ‘The mental side of it is very hard,’ he said. Is this a story of resilience or a cautionary tale about the fragility of athletic careers?
As a fan, it’s impossible not to root for Zalatoris. His unconventional putting stroke and fearless approach to majors made him a standout. But golf’s fickleness is undeniable. Can he regain the confidence that once made him unstoppable? Or will his injuries prove too much to overcome?
What do you think? Is Will Zalatoris cooked, or is this just another chapter in an eventual comeback story? Let’s debate it in the comments—I’m eager to hear your take!
