Will Zalatoris
After dealing with chronic back pain for years that was severely affecting his play, Zalatoris underwent a disc replacement surgery last year that has kept him sidelined since last May. After taking months to recover, Zalatoris is finally competing again and he has looked like his old self in his first two starts back. First, Zalatoris finished 15th at the Nedbank Golf Challenge last month. Then, the 29-year-old finished T18th at the American Express last week.
Zalatoris closed that latter event with an 8-under 64 at the Pete Dye Stadium Course in La Quinta, marking his best round since last April. Plus, the 29-year-old gained strokes in every major category at the American Express, which is the first time he has accomplished this feat since August of 2024.
Zalatoris gaining strokes across the board was a very encouraging sign that he is finally healthy again and he had the comments to back up that claim. Before the American Express, Zalatoris told the media,
“This is the first time I would say in four years that I haven’t been able to not have any sciatica down my legs… this time around I’m pushing myself in the gym harder than I ever have. I’m able to do the things that I haven’t been able to do for years.”
Notably, Zalatoris gained 1.07 strokes with his putter at the American Express, which was one of the biggest takeaways from his performance, as putting has always been his main weakness. Following his final round of 64, Zalatoris said, “I putted really well, been working with Blair Phillips at home. It’s been a massive change. Taking ownership on the putting green, and I think this year you’re going to see a massive difference in my putting.”
If Zalatoris can become a consistent putter this season to supplement his always-elite ball striking, the veteran will be in store for a huge bounce back season. Looking to build off last week’s showing, Zalatoris will remain in his home state of California this week for the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, which is an event Zalatoris has flourished at in the past.
In his last four starts at this tournament, Zalatoris has finished T7th, runner-up, MC, and T13th, in that order. He also finished T24th at last year’s Genesis Invitational that was played at the South Course of Torrey Pines, which hosts three of the four rounds of the Farmers Insurance Open. Zalatoris has a 7-under 65 on his resume at the South Course and one of the main reasons for his success at this track is that the South Course features POA greens.
Statistically, Zalatoris’ putting has easily been at its best on POA putting surfaces and when we compare this field’s last 50 rounds at venues with POA greens, Zalatoris ranks fourth in strokes gained per round. Also, evident from his track record at Torrey Pines and his finish in La Quinta last week, Zalatoris loves competing at home in California. When we analyze this field’s results in the Golden State, Zalatoris ranks eighth in strokes gained per round.
Zalatoris contending at the Farmers Insurance Open is a real possibility, and he should be a contrarian pick for one and done pools, given the strength of this field and that many have forgotten about him after his campaign was cut short last season.
Past One and Done Tournament Results
The Sony Open: J.J. Spaun (T40)
The American Express: Si Woo Kim (T6)
