Last year, Will Zalatoris shocked the golf world after undergoing a second back surgery for the same problem less than a year and a half after returning to professional golf.
The 28-year-old updated the shocking news on his Instagram in May after the PGA Championship and had surgery with Dr. Michael Duffy at the Texas Back Institute.
But things are starting to change for the strong-willed PGA Tour pro. This week, Zalatoris stopped by the SB Golf Championship, part of the PGA Tour Champions event, signaling a strong comeback.
“I’m looking forward to 2026.” Zalatoris expressed his excitement in a video posted by the PGA Tour on X. “I had a back surgery about four months ago. I’m already back playing, grinding every day, playing golf every day, trying to get at least in 18. So I’ve been — it’s been a long grind, but don’t get me wrong, this is the most positive I’ve felt in three years. The nightmare of three years of back pain is kinda gone now.”
Zalatoris’ recent injury was very similar to what happened to him back in 2023. He had a microdiscectomy after withdrawing shortly before the Masters, which forced him to exit Augusta National and miss the rest of the season. This spring, the pain came back, and after an MRI following the PGA Championship, it was clear that two discs had re-herniated, which led to his second surgery.
For the American star, his career has been like a pendulum, swinging between potential and pain. The back surgeries have been his “anchor,” threatening to pull him under, but he is now stronger than ever.
“I’m finally able to be a 29-year-old kid and go to work,” he said during his trip to the Champions event. “I’m getting a lot of advice this week on the PGA Tour Champions because there’s a lot of guys with mileage on their bodies. I’ve definitely taken some of those tips.”
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The PGA Tour star played in 22 tournaments in 2024, made 15 cuts, and finished in the top 10 three times. His best finish came at the Genesis Invitational, where he finished second.
But 2025 was a whole different story. He didn’t make the top 10 in 11 starts and missed two cuts. His best finish was a tie for 12th at The American Express.
Per reports, the 29-year-old, who once seemed destined to be at the top of golf’s world rankings, will play in the Nedbank Golf Challenge in December.
This will be his first competitive start since having surgery in May. Well, it won’t guarantee a spot on the PGA Tour through points, given his membership until 2025, so the American will have to rely on a medical extension for 2026.
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