Will Zalatoris was once considered one of golf’s brightest young stars, reaching No. 7 in the Official World Golf Ranking and shining with consistent top-tier performances in major tournaments. Between the 2020 U.S. Open and the 2024 Masters, Zalatoris demonstrated an ability to elevate his game in the most difficult events, finishing in the top 10 seven times, including three runner-up spots. However, a series of injuries, primarily involving his back and now a left ankle issue, have severely disrupted his career and raise doubts about his future on the PGA Tour.
Injury Woes and Their Impact on Zalatoris’ Career
Zalatoris, still only 29 years old, has faced persistent health setbacks over the past several years. His back problems have led to multiple surgeries and extended absences. He withdrew from the 2022 BMW Championship, resulting in a four-month break before returning to play. Early in 2023, after participating in a few events, he pulled out of the Masters and underwent a microdiscectomy in April. He returned eight months later at the Hero World Challenge.
Although Zalatoris completed a full season in 2024, he only managed three top-10 finishes and fell down the world rankings. The following year, he withdrew from the 2025 PGA Championship and required disc replacement surgery, a procedure that sidelined him for another eight months. His highest finish in 12 starts that year was tied for 12th place. Most recently, an apparent left ankle injury forced him to withdraw before the Cognizant Classic, adding to the litany of physical challenges he has endured.
Currently, Zalatoris has slipped outside the top 250 in the Official World Golf Ranking, illustrating just how far his career has faltered in terms of form and position.
Signs Pointing to Recovery and Optimism
Despite the setbacks, Zalatoris remains hopeful about regaining his previous form. Following his most recent back surgery last spring, doctors prescribed eight weeks of minimal movement. This recovery was reportedly much easier than his previous experience. Zalatoris likened the first surgery to removing broken pieces from a Jenga tower, while the latest felt like replacing those missing pieces. Remarkably, he gained three-quarters of an inch in height due to the procedure.
This is the first time I would say in four years that I haven’t had any sciatica down my legs,
Zalatoris shared during last month’s American Express.
… This time around, I’m pushing myself in the gym harder than I ever have. I’m able to do the things that I haven’t been able to do for years.
He continues to work on his swing to minimize strain on his back, focusing on reducing the side bend in his downswing. Zalatoris is taking inspiration from Patrick Cantlay and Tiger Woods—both of whom have had their own struggles with back injuries—and adapting their recovery strategies.
It’s great because I’m able to go week in, week out, and now it’s just about executing,
he remarked before the Cognizant Classic.
I think the part that’s fun about this now is the three years of kind of going through all this is over. The sciatica, the leg weakness, like I haven’t had any of that.
Zalatoris showed promising signs with a solo 15th-place finish on the DP World Tour and a tie for 18th at The American Express in Palm Springs. Although he was not qualified for several key tournaments, including the WM Phoenix Open, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and the Genesis Invitational, his entry into the Cognizant Classic last week was an anticipated attempt to rekindle his form.
The Mental and Physical Toll of Persistent Injuries
Zalatoris’ journey illustrates how physically and mentally demanding professional golf can be, especially when injuries intervene. Coming out of Wake Forest with a reputation as a talented but wiry player, his swing mechanics may have contributed to his back problems, further complicating his efforts to sustain a high level of play. His unconventional putting style also drew attention but did not overshadow his potential as a major contender.
The accumulation of physical damage over several seasons has left Zalatoris with both visible and invisible scars. Confidence, a crucial element on tour, has been elusive for years as the back issues persisted.
You go through (a back surgery) once, that’s fine … ‘Hey, I’m still a great player, I’ve had a couple of great finishes, a top 10 in a major,’
Zalatoris explained.
But then you go through it again. And that’s where the mental side of it is very hard.
His honesty reflects the difficulty of balancing mental resilience with the repetitive physical setbacks that threaten to derail a golf career.
What Lies Ahead for Will Zalatoris?
The question remains: can Zalatoris stage a meaningful comeback after years of injury disruptions? His recent recovery progress and refined swing suggest the possibility of a return to competitiveness, yet the uncertainty of his health and the volatility of professional golf leave the outlook cautious.
If he manages to reestablish confidence and maintain fitness, Zalatoris could become a significant presence once more on the PGA Tour and in major championships, rekindling the form that had him challenging legends. However, the path to that revival is steep, and his story serves as a reminder of golf’s unforgiving nature.
For fans and observers, Zalatoris’ continuing battle will be closely watched as he attempts to rewrite what has been a tumultuous chapter in his young career. His fight embodies the larger struggle of athletes confronting injury, resilience, and the effort to reclaim former glory on a grand stage.
