Will Zalatoris and Tiger Woods are bonded by Pains
Reflecting on his journey, Will Zalatoris recently shared how his mother reminded him of where he stood exactly a year ago—a place he describes as “not in a great place.” It was at the 2023 Masters where Zalatoris faced a setback, withdrawing just before his first-round tee time due to a back issue that led…
Reflecting on his journey, Will Zalatoris recently shared how his mother reminded him of where he stood exactly a year ago—a place he describes as “not in a great place.” It was at the 2023 Masters where Zalatoris faced a setback, withdrawing just before his first-round tee time due to a back issue that led to a microdiscectomy procedure by Saturday, ultimately forcing him to miss the remainder of the 2023 PGA Tour season.
His return to the golf course wasn’t smooth sailing either. Making his comeback at Tiger Woods’ charity event in the Bahamas in December, Zalatoris faced a roller coaster of emotions. Introducing a new putting method, he opened with a shocking 81 before improving in the second round. Despite the inconsistency, he pushed through, finishing 20th.
Zalatoris continued to battle inconsistency in subsequent tournaments, including a missed cut at the Sony Open. However, signs of progress emerged as he secured a T2 finish at the Genesis Invitational and showcased dominance during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, eventually finishing T4.
Returning to the site where his season abruptly ended a year ago, Zalatoris found solace in past successes at the Masters, having finished runner-up in his 2021 debut and securing a T6 finish in 2022.
In a heartening turn of events, Zalatoris kicked off his Masters journey by practicing nine holes with none other than Tiger Woods himself. Expressing gratitude for Woods’ guidance during his recovery, Zalatoris emphasized the importance of patience in overcoming injuries, particularly given their shared experience with microdiscectomy procedures.
Their bond deepened as they exchanged insights on rehabilitation timelines and coping mechanisms. Zalatoris credited Woods for helping him navigate the mental and physical challenges of recovery, highlighting the thought-provoking questions posed by Woods that fueled his resurgence.
Despite their limited interactions prior to Zalatoris’ injury-plagued 2023 season, the shared experience of setbacks and comebacks forged a meaningful connection between the two golfers. Zalatoris acknowledged the impact of his time spent with Woods, attributing his return to form to the wisdom and support imparted by the golfing legend.
As Zalatoris embarks on his journey at the Masters, his reunion with Woods serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and camaraderie in the face of adversity.
