Zalatoris Makes a Strong Comeback After 7 Months of Recovery from Surgery at Hero

Described as a golfer’s worst nightmare by Will Zalatoris, the talented young golfer experienced a setback last April. His back gave out just 30 minutes before his first-round tee time at the Masters while warming up on the range at Augusta National. This was due to battling two herniated discs in his lower back, forcing him to withdraw from last year’s BMW Championship and skip the Tour Championship. After his Masters withdrawal, Zalatoris underwent a microdiscectomy.

Following a long and cautious recovery, Zalatoris is making his competitive return at this week’s Hero World Challenge. The 27-year-old describes the past seven months as a patience game, acknowledging the crucial role of advice from others who have faced similar challenges. Zalatoris believes that his back issues trace back to his first round of the 2021 Open Championship, where he withdrew after 18 holes.

The decision to opt for rehabilitation instead of immediate surgery was a strategic choice. However, Zalatoris’ journey to recovery was not without its challenges. He faced a rigorous recovery process that also involved returning to school to complete the remaining elective courses toward his degree at Wake Forest. As Zalatoris adjusted his golf swing to relieve pressure on his back, he is determined to make a strong comeback.

Despite adjustments to his swing that impacted the distance of his shots, Zalatoris remains optimistic about his progress. He acknowledges the importance of pacing himself, even implementing specific precautions to protect his back. Anxious to see how he feels physically after the tournament’s last round, Zalatoris views the current week as a significant milestone, regardless of the outcome.