Will Zalatoris Out Until Fall After Second Back Surgery
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The 28-year-old golfer is sidelined again after undergoing surgery to repair two herniated discs, marking his second back surgery in two years.
Will Zalatoris expects to be sidelined until the fall following back surgery.
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Will Zalatoris is facing another setback due to back problems. The professional golfer recently underwent surgery to address two herniated discs and is expected to remain off the course until the fall.
The surgery took place shortly after he missed the cut at the PGA Championship. This will cause him to miss the remainder of the FedEx Cup season,including two major tournaments.
Zalatoris shared the news via Instagram, stating he anticipates being out of competition for several months. This marks a repeat situation for Zalatoris, who previously underwent a microdiscectomy in the spring of 2023 and was sidelined for eight months.
“Hey everyone,sharing a health update,” Zalatoris wrote. “This spring, I started feeling some discomfort in my back that progressively got worse. Following the PGA Championship, an MRI showed that I had re-herniated two discs. After discussing the options with my medical team, I underwent surgery last Friday with Dr. Michael Duffy at the Texas Back Institute.”
Early in his career,Will Zalatoris quickly gained recognition with six top-10 finishes in his first nine major appearances. He climbed to no. 7 in the world rankings and was leading the 2022 FedEx Cup race when back pain forced him to withdraw from the BMW Championship. After his first back surgery in the spring of 2023, he returned to competition in early 2024 and soon after secured a T2 finish at the 2024 Genesis Invitational, finishing three shots behind Hideki Matsuyama.
However,that summer,pain resurfaced,this time in his hip,which affected him throughout the year. During the offseason, Zalatoris focused on strengthening his body to withstand the demands of the PGA Tour season, adding 20 pounds of muscle to his frame.
Prior to this recent announcement, Zalatoris had a mixed season in 2025.In 12 starts, his best finish was T12 at The American express. However, he missed the cut at both the Masters and the PGA Championship. He will also be unable to compete in the U.S. Open and the Open Championship.
Despite the setback, Zalatoris expressed optimism in his Instagram post.
“I’m happy to say that I woke up feeling good (after surgery) and excited about my long-term back health,” he wrote. “Time to focus on my recovery and get back after it. Looking forward to seeing everyone in the fall!”
“I’m happy to say that I woke up feeling good (after surgery) and excited about my long-term back health.”
Understanding Herniated Discs and Treatment
A herniated disc occurs when the soft cushion between the bones in your spine pushes out. This can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg. While some people experience no symptoms, others can find it debilitating. The Mayo Clinic notes that the most common location for herniated discs is in the lower back, although they can occur anywhere along the spine.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a herniated disc?
- A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior, potentially compressing nearby nerves.
- What are the common symptoms of a herniated disc?
- Common symptoms include pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, arms, or legs, depending on the location of the herniated disc.
- What are the treatment options for a herniated disc?
- Treatment options range from conservative measures like pain medication and physical therapy to surgical interventions, depending on the severity of the condition.
- How long is the recovery period after back surgery for a herniated disc?
- The recovery period varies, but it can range from several weeks to months, depending on the type of surgery and individual factors.
- What can be done to prevent herniated discs?
- Maintaining good posture, using proper lifting techniques, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular exercise can help prevent herniated discs.
