William Patrick Zalatoris Bio
William Patrick Zalatoris (born August 16, 1996) is an American professional golfer. He has competed primarily on the PGA Tour, where he has won once, at the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship. He also has three runner-up finishes in major championships, showcasing his talent and competitiveness on the golf course. Zalatoris is known for his strong ball-striking abilities and has quickly risen through the ranks in the world of professional golf.
Early Life and Background
William Patrick Zalatoris was born in San Francisco, California, to Catherine and Richard Zalatoris. He was raised as an only child in a family where both parents were recreational golfers. His mother, a former track and field athlete at the University of Oregon, played golf while pregnant with him, which likely influenced his early interest in the sport. At just 18 months old, he received his first plastic golf club, and by the age of six, he was receiving advice on his grip from 1964 U.S. Open champion Ken Venturi at the California Golf Club, where his family were members.
At the age of nine, Zalatoris moved with his family to Texas, where he grew up at Bent Tree Country Club in Dallas. He often competed against notable golfers like Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler in junior tournaments. Zalatoris attended Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, Texas, where he excelled in golf, earning four letters. His amateur career took off when he won the Texas Amateur Championship in June 2014, followed by victories at the Trans-Mississippi Amateur and the U.S. Junior Amateur shortly thereafter. He initially planned to attend Stanford University but accepted a golf scholarship to Wake Forest University, where he majored in psychology and continued to develop his skills.
Path to Golf
Zalatoris turned professional in 2018 after deciding to leave college early. He made six starts on the PGA Tour that year but only made one cut. Facing challenges in securing a consistent spot on the tour, he competed on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he quickly made a name for himself. His breakthrough came in July 2020 when he won the TPC Colorado Championship, marking his first professional victory. This win led to his qualification for the 2020 U.S. Open, where he finished tied for sixth, solidifying his status as a rising star in professional golf.
In 2021, Zalatoris gained significant attention for his performance at the Masters Tournament, where he finished in second place, just one stroke behind the winner. His impressive play throughout the year earned him the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award for the 2020–21 season, making him the first special temporary member to win the award since 2001. His early career was marked by a series of strong finishes in major championships, establishing him as a formidable competitor on the PGA Tour.
William Patrick Zalatoris Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Zalatoris’s early professional career was challenging, as he struggled to find his footing on the PGA Tour. However, his determination paid off when he secured his first professional win on the Korn Ferry Tour in July 2020. This victory, along with a series of consistent performances, allowed him to gain entry into major tournaments and showcase his skills on a larger stage. His strong showing at the 2020 U.S. Open marked a turning point in his career, as it was his first top-10 finish in a major championship.
Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Zalatoris’s breakthrough year came in 2021, highlighted by his remarkable performance at the Masters Tournament, where he finished second in his debut. He continued to impress with a tied-eighth finish at the PGA Championship and was named the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year for the 2020–21 season. In 2022, he further solidified his status as a top player by finishing as a runner-up in both the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.
Notable Works and Milestones
Zalatoris’s signature win came at the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship, where he triumphed in a playoff against Sepp Straka. This victory marked his first PGA Tour win and propelled him to the top of the FedEx Cup standings. His consistent performances in major championships and his rapid rise in the Official World Golf Ranking have made him a player to watch in the coming years.
William Patrick Zalatoris Award Nominations
Throughout his career, William Patrick Zalatoris has received several nominations and accolades, including being named the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year for the 2020–21 season, recognizing his exceptional performance during his first year on the tour.
William Patrick Zalatoris Awards Won
Zalatoris has achieved notable recognition in his career, including his win at the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year for the 2020–21 season. This award highlights his remarkable achievements and potential as a professional golfer.
William Patrick Zalatoris Family
William Patrick Zalatoris is married to Caitlin Sellers, whom he met while attending Wake Forest University. The couple became engaged in 2021 and tied the knot in 2022. Zalatoris is the son of Richard and Catherine Zalatoris, who have supported his golfing career from a young age.
Personal Life
In addition to his golfing career, Zalatoris has maintained a close friendship with former NFL quarterback Tony Romo, with whom he shares membership at Maridoe Golf Club in Dallas. During his recovery from back surgery in 2023, he returned to complete his psychology degree at Wake Forest University, demonstrating his commitment to education alongside his professional pursuits.
