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Will Zalatoris Says Back Pain 'Nightmare' Is Over, Targets 2026 PGA Tour Return

Four months after his second back surgery, he has resumed daily practice with a likely December tune-up.

Overview

  • Zalatoris said he feels the best he has in three years and described his prolonged back pain as finally gone.
  • He provided the update while visiting the PGA Tour Champions’ Simmons Bank Championship, where he is seeking advice from veteran players.
  • Doctors operated on him twice for herniated discs, including a microdiscectomy in 2023 and a second procedure in May 2025 performed by Dr. Michael Duffy.
  • Reports indicate he is expected to open his comeback at the DP World Tour’s Nedbank Golf Challenge in December as his first start since surgery.
  • He has not played competitively since the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow and is set to rely on a medical extension for 2026 eligibility.