Zalatoris says he’ll have spinal fusion surgery, won’t play at all in 2027

Will Zalatoris announced on Wednesday that he will undergo spinal fusion surgery next month, which will sideline him from competitive golf for all of next year. The 30-year-old American plans to compete in the Austin Championship before having the operation. Zalatoris noted that three PGA Tour physical therapists advised him that the procedure was necessary following years of persistent back trouble.

Injuries have disrupted Zalatoris's career since his 2021 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year campaign, including previous procedures in 2023 and 2025. After reinjuring his back at the Valero Texas Open in April, Zalatoris stated that he aims to return to competitive play in 2028 on the PGA Tour's Challenger Series.