Will Zalatoris is expected to return to competitive golf in the fall of 2025 following his second back surgery. The 28-year-old underwent the procedure on May 23 to repair two reherniated discs, an issue that had been causing him increasing discomfort throughout the spring and which worsened after the PGA Championship.
Zalatoris Eyes Fall Return
“This spring, I started feeling some discomfort and instability in my back that progressively got worse,” Zalatoris posted on social media. “Following the PGA Championship, an MRI showed that I had reherniated two discs. After discussing the options with my medical team, I underwent surgery last Friday with Dr. Michael Duffy at the Texas Back Institute.”
This marks Zalatoris’ second back surgery in just over two years; his first was in April 2023, which sidelined him for eight months. Despite the setback, he remains optimistic about his recovery. “I’m happy to say that I woke up feeling good and excited about my long-term back health. Time to focus on my recovery and get back after it. Thank you to my team, friends, and family for being there for me throughout this journey. Looking forward to seeing everyone in the fall!!” his post concluded.
While no specific tournament has been confirmed for his return, his anticipated comeback in the fall suggests he may be aiming for events later in the PGA Tour calendar, potentially including the Hero World Challenge in December, which he played in following his previous recovery.
Zalatoris’ Wretched Injury Record
Although Will Zalatoris has had tough luck with injuries recently, his performances have been bright spots. He has played in 11 events and finished in the top 25 three times. His best result came at The American Express, where he tied for 12th. He is currently ranked No. 99 in the FedExCup standings after finishing 38th in the standings last year, despite missing most of 2023 due to injury.
Zalatoris looked like one of the best players in the world in 2022. He won his first PGA Tour title at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Just a week later, he played in the BMW Championship but had to withdraw after suffering two herniated discs. At that point, he was leading the FedExCup and ranked inside the world’s top 10. He tried to push through the pain, but it only got worse. He made it to the 2023 Masters but withdrew before his first-round tee shot. Two days later, he had back surgery.
Last summer, he also pulled out of the Rocket Mortgage Classic because of a hip issue. That injury pushed him to work harder and build more strength during the offseason.
Zalatoris was a major championship threat before these injuries. The 28-year-old finished second at the 2022 PGA Championship and the U.S. Open. He was also runner-up at the 2021 Masters. From 2020 to 2022, he placed in the top 10 in six of the nine majors he played.
Main Photo Credit: © Peter Casey-Imagn Images
