Will Zalatoris made an impressive return to the PGA Tour, shooting a remarkable 7-under 65 in his first round back in nearly eight months at La Quinta Country Club during The American Express tournament. This performance came after a lengthy hiatus due to a back injury that required him to undergo disc replacement surgery following his missed cut at the PGA Championship in May.
Zalatoris sits just three shots behind leaders Min Woo Lee and Pierceson Coody, who played at the Nicklaus Tournament Course, known for its relative ease compared to La Quinta. Although Zalatoris faced a shaky start with a bogey on the par-4 14th, he quickly regained his footing by sinking three consecutive birdies from the 15th hole onward. He finished the round with a total of eight birdies, tying for the third-best round at La Quinta.
His journey back to competition has been arduous. After withdrawing from the 2022 BMW Championship due to a back injury, Zalatoris returned briefly for The Sentry and played only a few events before his surgery in April 2023. However, he has expressed optimism about his current state, stating that this recovery phase has been significantly easier. Zalatoris shared that it has been four years since he has experienced sciatica pain in his legs, allowing him to push himself harder in the gym and engage in activities he previously couldn’t.
Adjustments to his swing mechanics, especially a less aggressive dive at the ball, are aimed at reducing back stress. He feels confident about the future, contrasting his feelings after the last PGA Championship when uncertainty loomed over his career at just 28 years old. His surgeon’s reassurance suggests a long-term positive outlook, saying he wouldn’t need to see Zalatoris for another 20 years.
Competing this season on a major medical extension and aware that his access to signature events may be limited, Zalatoris is ready to adapt. He recognizes the need to carefully select tournaments, but the newfound confidence in his ability to compete week after week is a significant boost. With performances like the one he delivered on Thursday, Zalatoris is on track to regain his status among the top players on the tour.