Will A Family Member Pass Away?

Will Zalatoris, an American golfer, revealed that he had been holding in for three days after losing a close family member on Thursday. The golfer revealed that he had been holding in for three days and had been holding in for the last four days. Zalatoris broke down in tears and wailed about the loss of a close family member at the Genesis Invitational presser. After posting a top 2 finish in the event, Zalatoris revealed that he had lost a family member on Thursday. The loss was on his mind over the last four days.

Zalatoris opened up on a family tragedy providing the inspiration for his return to form at the Genesis Invitational. He finished runner-up and hit a birdie on No. 13 at Genesis. The 27-year-old was “pretty excited” when asked about the loss of a family member, but he was still holding in for three days.

Zalatoris’s recent loss has left him feeling deeply saddened and unsure of how he will handle the situation. He has been holding in for three days and is now focused on moving in the right direction after the Genesis Invitational.

Why Was Zalatoris Not At Riviera?

Will Zalatoris, while not winning the Genesis Invitational at Riviera, demonstrated resilience and skill, finishing tied for second place behind Hideki Matsuyama. During an emotionally charged weekend, Zalatoris reflected on life’s fleeting moments, expressing his family's pride despite their absence, as they were dealing with a personal matter he described as "very unexpected." His golf skills shone brightly, especially with a remarkable hole-in-one on the par-3 14th hole using a 7-iron, which contributed to an impressive final-round 69.

This accomplishment was momentous, not just for Zalatoris but also for his caddie, who won an SUV. At one point, he held the solo lead after birdieing the 13th hole, heightening the narrative of his comeback following an extended absence due to back surgery. Despite earlier struggles that included a final finish at the Hero World Challenge and a missed cut at the Sony Open, Zalatoris' strong performance at Riviera served as a sign of hope moving forward. As he navigates both personal and professional challenges, his return to competitive form signals promising prospects for his future in golf.

Did Zalatoris Lose A Family Member?

Will Zalatoris revealed on Sunday that he unexpectedly lost a close family member just three days earlier, following the opening round of the Genesis Invitational. Deeply affected by his loss, Zalatoris expressed, "This whole week was for her," during his emotional address to the media after finishing T2nd in the tournament. Overcome with grief, he shared that the family member passed away on Thursday, February 15, highlighting how their memory was with him throughout the competition.

"I didn’t say anything all week," he admitted, but the weight of his loss was palpable as he reflected on the past few days. He tied for second place at the Genesis Invitational, shooting a final round of 2-under 69 and finishing at 14-under, three shots behind the leader, Matsuyama. As he recounted his experience, Zalatoris choked up, revealing the significant impact of the loss on both his personal and professional life.

Friday's highlight, a hole-in-one, felt particularly special as he played in honor of his loved one. The golfer's sorrowful yet resolute sharing of his loss underscored the emotional burden he carried throughout the event, dedicating his performance to the memory of his family member.

Will Zalatoris Hit A Tee At The Genesis Invitational 2024?

Will Zalatoris demonstrated impressive skill during the final round of the Genesis Invitational on February 18, 2024, especially with a stunning hole-in-one on the par-3 14th hole. Hitting a 7-iron from 184 yards, he expertly guided the ball onto the green, where it rolled into the cup, marking his 10th career ace. This remarkable shot not only highlighted his comeback following back surgery ten months prior but also earned both him and his caddie a brand-new Genesis vehicle, as part of the tournament's prize for the first hole-in-one on that hole each day.

Reflecting on his experience, Zalatoris expressed pride in his performance and acknowledged the importance of cherishing such moments in life, especially without his family present. He had a solid overall tournament and managed to narrow the lead from three to two strokes as he moved up the leaderboard after a strong round of 65. The Genesis Invitational marked a significant return for Zalatoris, whose previous struggles were now overshadowed by his outstanding performance and the excitement of securing a hole-in-one. As the tournament progressed, Zalatoris's resilience and skill shone bright, further establishing his place among the tournament's elite.

What Happened To Will Zalatoris?

Will Zalatoris received a warm standing ovation at Riviera on Sunday after a challenging recovery from surgery, but moments later, he was overwhelmed with emotion, tears in his eyes. He nailed a critical 10-foot par on the 72nd hole, defiantly proclaiming, "What are they going to say now?" Despite his triumph, Zalatoris, the No. 9-ranked golfer, faces challenges ahead, notably missing the upcoming major at Oak Hill Country Club.

After pulling out of the 2022 FedEx Cup playoffs due to two herniated discs, he returned to competition in January 2023 but had to undergo back surgery and announced he would miss the rest of the season. During this difficult period, Zalatoris reflected on personal losses, dedicating his efforts to a late family member.

Having previously finished second at the Masters in 2021, Zalatoris has struggled with health setbacks since his injury in 2022. His return was met with hope, but issues resurfaced, including withdrawals from significant tournaments due to back and hip problems. Although he recently gained strength, the injury bug returned during the Rocket Mortgage Classic, compelling another withdrawal. As he prepares for the Nedbank Golf Challenge, fans are hopeful for his recovery and return to elite performance.

Who Is Will Zalatoris?

Will Zalatoris recently announced the heartbreaking loss of a close family member, which motivated his strong showing at the Genesis Invitational, where he finished in second place and achieved a hole-in-one during the second round. This 27-year-old American golfer has primarily competed on the PGA Tour, boasting a victory at the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship, along with three runner-up finishes in major championships.

Although officially a member of the Korn Ferry Tour, Zalatoris has earned spots in major events due to his consistent performance. Born on August 16, 1996, in San Francisco, he has been ranked among the top golfers in the world.

Zalatoris has had a challenging journey, including significant time sidelined due to a back injury that required surgery. His return began with good play at home before he re-entered competitive golf. His emotional moment at Riviera Country Club highlighted his resilience and passion for the game.

Now preparing for his third Masters appearance, Zalatoris has previously finished as the runner-up, just one stroke behind the champion in 2021 and T-6 in 2022. With an estimated net worth of $7 million, his career trajectory remains promising. As he continues to navigate his personal challenges alongside competitive aspirations, many are hopeful for his bright future in golf.