The former major contender believes his long-standing weakness is finally turning into a strength.
Will Zalatoris ended his week at the American Express with an encouraging final-round 64, securing a top-20 finish and offering another sign that his career may be back on an upward path. After a difficult few seasons disrupted by injury, the American left California feeling optimistic about what lies ahead.
Once tipped as a future star of the PGA Tour, Zalatoris saw his momentum stall after undergoing a second back surgery in 2025, limiting him to just 11 starts last season. Now fully fit again at 29, he believes fans are about to see a very different version of him in 2026.
Zalatoris highlights major improvement in his putting
Reflecting on his opening event of the season, Zalatoris pointed to his putting as the biggest positive takeaway. Speaking after his final round, he explained that recent work at home has already begun to pay dividends.
He credited sessions with coach Blair Phillips for helping him take greater ownership on the greens, saying the changes have been significant. That confidence showed statistically, with Zalatoris ranking seventh in strokes gained putting during the final round on the Pete Dye Stadium Course.
After years of frustration with the flat stick, the early signs suggest his biggest weakness may no longer be holding him back.
How a new approach could shape Zalatoris’ comeback
Zalatoris went on to explain that the improvement is not purely mechanical. Instead, the focus has been on understanding his tendencies and developing clearer triggers to stay committed over short putts.
He described the process as part technical, part mental, aimed at preventing the lapses that previously crept into his putting. With his body feeling healthy again, his priority now is simply to keep building momentum and manage his schedule carefully as he continues his return from injury.
While it remains early days, Zalatoris’ confidence is growing. If the gains on the greens continue through 2026, a return to the winner’s circle may not be far away.
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