Will Zalatoris Withdraws From Tour Championship With Back Injury

The 26-year-old had withdrawn from the BMW Championship last week, with the source of the back pain down to two herniated discs

Zalatoris strikes an iron shot
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Matt Cradock
By
published

Only a matter of weeks ago, Will Zalatoris was celebrating his maiden PGA Tour title after an enthralling playoff against Sepp Straka. However, less than a week later, the American was forced to withdraw from the BMW Championship due to back problems.

Now though, it appears the problems are more serious than first thought, with it being reported by Zalatoris' medical team that his back pain was caused by "two herniated discs.” It also means that he is out of the Presidents Cup, which gets underway in September. 

In a statement by PGA Tour Communications, it read: "Will Zalatoris has withdrawn from the Tour Championship. As a result of his withdrawal, if all 29 players finish 72 holes, Zalatoris will finish 30th in the FedEx Cup, which receives $500,00 in bonus money. Starting strokes for remaining 29 players will not be affected."

In the release, Allen Hobbs also spoke on behalf of the American, stating that: "After Will's withdrawal from the BMW Championship on Saturday, his medical team determined that the source of his back pain is two herniated disks."

Zalatoris has enjoyed a superb 2021/22 PGA Tour season so far, with the 26-year-old picking up his first PGA Tour title, as well as nine top 10s, including a couple of runner-up finishes in the US Open and PGA Championship.

Zalatoris holds the trophy aloft

Zalatoris holds the FedEx St. Jude Championship after his victory

(Image credit: Getty Images)

He had been sat in third place coming in to the final at East Lake, with Scottie Scheffler and Patrick Cantlay the only two in front of him as he pursued the $18 million first prize.

During the third round of the BMW Championship, the American had called for treatment on his back. However, despite some vigorous stretching and attempted manipulations, Zalatoris was unable to continue and forced to withdraw from the tournament.

Matt Cradock
Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

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