Zalatoris says he'll have spinal fusion surgery, won't play at all in 2027

Will Zalatoris is done for 2027. The golfer told reporters Wednesday he'll have spinal fusion surgery next month and won't play at all next year.

This is a major blow for a player still trying to establish himself as a consistent force on tour. Zalatoris has battled back issues throughout his career, and this decision signals the problem runs deep enough to require surgical intervention rather than rest-and-rehab cycles.

Missing an entire calendar year means Zalatoris sits out next season's majors, FedEx Cup playoffs, and every other event. He won't accumulate points toward world rankings. He won't defend any title. For a 29-year-old trying to build his resume, that's significant lost time.

The timeline matters too. Surgery next month means he's operating on a recovery window that extends well into late 2026 before he can realistically consider competing again. That's not a minor procedure with a quick turnaround. Spinal fusion is serious business, and the fact he's ruled out an entire year suggests his medical team expects a lengthy rehabilitation process.

Zalatoris finished 39th in last year's FedEx Cup standings. He needs momentum and playing time to climb. Now he gets neither in 2027.