Will Zalatoris Will Undergo Spinal-Fusion Surgery
The professional golfer will miss the entire 2027 PGA Tour season following a procedure scheduled for late November.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Golf
Professional golfer Will Zalatoris will undergo spinal-fusion surgery in Dallas at the end of November 2026 to address persistent back issues. This medical procedure will force the one-time PGA Tour winner to sit out the entire 2027 season.
Why it matters
The decision to move forward with surgery follows recommendations from three Tour physical therapists who advised the procedure to correct ongoing physical limitations. Zalatoris previously managed back issues and a torn labrum that impacted his performance throughout the 2026 season.
Zalatoris holds one career PGA Tour victory and has achieved runner-up finishes at both the Masters and the PGA Championship. He previously completed 27 holes in San Antonio before suffering the back injury that contributed to these recurring issues.
The players
Will Zalatoris
He is a professional golfer who has finished second in both the Masters and the PGA Championship.
The details
Zalatoris is currently slated to participate in the Austin Championship at Omni Barton Creek Resort from November 12-15 before traveling to Dallas for his surgery. He intends to utilize the 2027 season for rehabilitation with a goal of returning to professional competition in 2028.
Timeline
Zalatoris recovered from a previous back surgery in 2025.
The back injury occurred in San Antonio during the spring of 2026.
He will play the Austin Championship at Omni Barton Creek Resort from November 12-15, 2026.
The spinal-fusion surgery will take place in Dallas in late November 2026.
Zalatoris will miss the entire 2027 PGA Tour season.
Season Trajectory
This extended absence removes a high-profile competitor from the 2027 season, shifting the field dynamics for major championships. The move underscores the increasing physical toll of the modern game and impacts the overall PGA Tour points and standings race.
Fantasy golf participants should remove Zalatoris from their rosters for the duration of the 2027 season. His absence will affect the overall competitiveness of tour events and influence the qualifying fields for major tournaments throughout the year.
The takeaway
Zalatoris is prioritizing a long-term recovery to ensure his return to competitive golf in 2028. This situation highlights how professional athletes must weigh immediate participation against the necessity of major surgical intervention to extend their careers.
What happens next
Will Zalatoris will compete in the Austin Championship scheduled for November 12-15, 2026, followed by his spinal-fusion surgery in late November 2026.
Further reading
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