William Patrick Zalatoris, known professionally as Will Zalatoris, is a prominent American professional golfer who has quickly made a name for himself on the PGA Tour. Renowned for his exceptional ball-striking and tenacious competitiveness, Zalatoris rose to prominence with a series of high finishes in major championships, including runner-up positions at the 2021 Masters Tournament, the 2022 PGA Championship, and the 2022 U.S. Open. His aggressive style of play and consistent performance at the highest level earned him the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award for the 2020–21 season and his first PGA Tour victory at the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship.
Will Zalatoris Overview
| Full Name | William Patrick Zalatoris |
| Date of Birth | August 16, 1996 |
| Age | 28 (as of July 2025) |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Residence | Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 175 lb (79 kg) |
| Profession | Professional Golfer |
| Spouse | Caitlin Sellers (m. 2022) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $26 million (as of March 2025) |
Early Life and Education of Will Zalatoris
Will Zalatoris was born on August 16, 1996, in San Francisco, California, to Richard and Catherine Zalatoris. He is an only child. His family has a strong background in athletics and aviation; his father, Richard, was a pilot for over 30 years, and his grandfather and uncles were also pilots. His mother, Catherine, was a track and field athlete at the University of Oregon. Zalatoris was introduced to golf at a very young age, receiving his first plastic club at 18 months and learning the game at Mariners Point Golf Center in Foster City, California. His parents were avid recreational golfers, and he often joined his father at the California Golf Club. It was there, at the age of six, that he met 1964 U.S. Open champion Ken Venturi, who gave him a memorable putting lesson.
When Zalatoris was nine, his family relocated to Dallas, Texas. He grew up playing at Bent Tree Country Club and frequently competed in junior tournaments against other Dallas-area talents like Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler. He attended Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, Texas, where he was a four-year letterman and led his team to state championships. During his junior golf career, he achieved significant success, winning the Texas Amateur Championship, the Trans-Mississippi Amateur, and the prestigious U.S. Junior Amateur in 2014.
After a stellar junior career, Zalatoris accepted the Arnold Palmer Scholarship to play golf at Wake Forest University. He had a decorated collegiate career, winning four individual titles and setting a new school record for scoring average at 70.44, previously held by Bill Haas. In 2017, he was named the ACC Player of the Year and was a member of the victorious U.S. Walker Cup team alongside future PGA Tour stars Collin Morikawa and Scottie Scheffler. In December 2017, Zalatoris decided to forgo his final semester to turn professional. He later returned to Wake Forest to complete his psychology degree during his recovery from back surgery in 2023.
Will Zalatoris’s Career
Will Zalatoris turned professional in 2018 but initially struggled to gain a foothold, failing to advance past the first stage of the Korn Ferry Tour Q-School. He relied on Monday qualifiers and sponsor exemptions to play in Korn Ferry Tour events in 2019. His persistence paid off, and he earned full status for the 2020 season.
Breakthrough and PGA Tour Success
The 2020 season marked a significant turning point in Zalatoris’s career. In July, he captured his first professional victory at the TPC Colorado Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour. This win propelled him to the top of the Korn Ferry Tour points list and secured him a spot in the 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot. In a remarkable major championship debut, he recorded a hole-in-one during the first round and finished tied for sixth place. This performance, along with other strong finishes, earned him Special Temporary Member status on the PGA Tour for the 2020-21 season.
Zalatoris’s rookie season on the PGA Tour was nothing short of spectacular. He announced his arrival on one of golf’s biggest stages with a runner-up finish at the 2021 Masters Tournament, falling just one stroke short of champion Hideki Matsuyama. He continued to impress with a T-8 finish at the PGA Championship and eight top-10 finishes for the season. His outstanding performance led to him being voted the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year for the 2020–21 season, the first Special Temporary Member to win the award since 2001.
The 2022 season saw Zalatoris continue his ascent, solidifying his reputation as a major championship contender. He finished runner-up in two more majors: the PGA Championship, where he lost in a playoff to Justin Thomas, and the U.S. Open, where he finished one shot behind Matt Fitzpatrick. In August 2022, he broke through for his maiden PGA Tour victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, defeating Sepp Straka in a dramatic playoff. This win vaulted him to the top of the FedExCup standings and a career-high of 7th in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Injury Setbacks and Return
Unfortunately, Zalatoris’s momentum was halted by a back injury. He suffered two herniated discs during the 2022 BMW Championship, forcing him to withdraw from the Tour Championship. After attempting to play through the injury, he underwent a microdiscectomy in April 2023, causing him to miss the remainder of the season. He made his return to the PGA Tour in January 2024. He showed flashes of his old form with a runner-up finish at the 2024 Genesis Invitational. However, he continued to experience back issues, and in May 2025, he underwent a second back surgery after an MRI revealed two re-herniated discs. He is expected to return to competition in the fall of 2025.
Will Zalatoris Personal Life & Family
Will Zalatoris is married to Caitlin Sellers. The couple met while they were both students at Wake Forest University and began dating in 2018. They got engaged in April 2021 and tied the knot in December 2022. Caitlin, who has a master’s degree in marketing from the University of Texas, generally maintains a private life but has been seen supporting her husband at various tournaments. During his recovery from back surgery in 2023, Zalatoris credited Caitlin for her support.
Zalatoris is an only child and shares a close bond with his parents, Richard and Catherine. He has often spoken about the sacrifices they made to support his golf career. He also has a close friendship with former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, whom he considers a “big brother.” The two are members of the Maridoe Golf Club in Dallas and frequently play golf together.
Awards and Achievements of Will Zalatoris
Amateur
- 2014 Texas Amateur Championship
- 2014 Trans-Mississippi Amateur
- 2014 U.S. Junior Amateur
- 2016 Trans-Mississippi Amateur
- 2016 Pacific Coast Amateur
- 2017 ACC Player of the Year
- 2017 First-Team All-American
- Member of the 2017 U.S. Walker Cup team
Professional
- 2020 TPC Colorado Championship (Korn Ferry Tour)
- 2020–21 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year
- 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship (PGA Tour)
Major Championship Best Finishes
- Masters Tournament: 2nd (2021)
- PGA Championship: 2nd (2022)
- U.S. Open: T2 (2022)
- The Open Championship: T28 (2022)
Will Zalatoris Net Worth and Income
As of March 2025, Will Zalatoris’s net worth is estimated to be around $26 million. His career earnings on the PGA Tour have surpassed $26 million. His most lucrative year was 2022, when he earned over $15 million, which included his win at the FedEx St. Jude Championship and his runner-up finishes at the PGA Championship and U.S. Open. He also has endorsement deals with companies such as Titleist, Footjoy, and Simmons Bank.
Legacy and Influence
Despite a career that has been hampered by injuries, Will Zalatoris has already left a significant mark on the world of golf. His rapid rise from the Korn Ferry Tour to a top-10 player in the world is a testament to his talent and work ethic. He is known for his powerful and precise iron play, which has consistently ranked among the best on the PGA Tour. His fearless approach, especially in major championships, has earned him the respect of his peers and a strong following among golf fans. His resilience in the face of multiple back surgeries at a young age is also a defining part of his story, and his determination to return to the top of the sport is closely watched.
Interesting Facts about Will Zalatoris
- His favorite sports teams are the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, and Dallas Cowboys.
- He has a family history of pilots and has expressed an interest in learning to fly.
- He has drawn comparisons to the caddie from the movie “Happy Gilmore,” a role he embraced by appearing in the sequel, “Happy Gilmore 2.”
– He recorded his career-low round on the PGA Tour, a 61, at the 2021 Sanderson Farms Championship.
– During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he played golf almost daily with former NFL quarterback Tony Romo.
Controversies
Will Zalatoris has maintained a clean public image and has not been involved in any significant controversies. His career has been more defined by his on-course achievements and his unfortunate battles with injury.
Social Media Presence
Will Zalatoris is active on social media, where he shares updates on his career and personal life.
- Instagram: He regularly posts pictures with his wife and updates on his golf activities.
- Twitter (X): He engages with fans and shares news related to his career.
Final Words about Will Zalatoris
Will Zalatoris’s journey in professional golf has been a rollercoaster of brilliant highs and challenging lows. His talent is undeniable, as evidenced by his numerous top finishes in major championships and his PGA Tour victory. Currently, his primary focus is on recovering from his second back surgery and returning to full health. The golf world eagerly awaits the return of this exciting young player, hopeful that he can overcome his physical setbacks and fulfill the immense potential he has shown. His future in the sport will largely depend on his ability to maintain his health and fitness, but his determination and passion for the game suggest that he will do everything in his power to compete at the highest level for years to come.
