PGA Tour winner to miss entire 2027 season: "I've been through four years of hell"

PGA Tour winner Will Zalatoris says he's devastated after confirming he will miss the entire 2027 season because he needs to have another back surgery. 

The 30-year-old American is scheduled to undergo spinal-fusion surgery in late November, marking his third major back operation since 2023. 

He will first compete at the Austin Championship, scheduled for November 12-15 at Omni Barton Creek Resort, before bringing his season to an early close.

Zalatoris revealed the news during Wednesday's media day for the PGA Tour Fall Series event, admitting he hopes the latest procedure will finally provide a long-term solution to his persistent back problems.

After enduring several years of physical setbacks, the Texas-based golfer believes surgery is now the necessary step towards getting his career back on track.

"I've been through four years of hell so it's good to have something that will hopefully correct it," Zalatoris told reporters.

"It's not something you want to do, but when you have three tour physical therapists tell you it needs to be done at some time, you go ahead and do it.”

The decision represents another significant setback for a player who appeared destined for major success following his breakthrough campaign in 2022.

Zalatoris claimed his only PGA Tour victory that year at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, winning in a playoff after establishing himself as one of the circuit's most consistent contenders.

Zalatoris came agonisingly close to securing his first major championship, finishing runner-up at both the 2022 PGA Championship and the US Open. 

At the PGA Championship, he pushed Justin Thomas to a playoff at Southern Hills before losing over three extra holes. 

He then finished one shot behind Matt Fitzpatrick at the US Open at Brookline, missing out on another opportunity to claim a maiden major title.

However, his progress has since been disrupted by a succession of injuries and operations.

The American underwent a microdiscectomy in 2023 before having an artificial disc replacement in 2025. 

Those procedures have significantly limited his ability to compete, with Zalatoris making just 15 starts across the past two seasons.

His 2026 campaign has been particularly frustrating, with only four appearances to his name after he sustained a tear to his right labrum.

Zalatoris also revealed that he aggravated his back again at the Valero Texas Open in April, which proved to be his most recent competitive outing.

The recurring nature of his injuries has left him searching for answers, with the upcoming spinal-fusion procedure offering hope of finally addressing the underlying issues.

"It's all connected together and I just want to get it fixed," he added.

"I can't promise anybody anything because of what I've been through. I'm the oldest 30-year-old you will ever meet."