Will Zalatoris to Miss 2027 PGA Tour Season for Back Surgery

Will Zalatoris will miss the entire 2027 PGA Tour season after revealing he needs spinal-fusion surgery to address recurring back problems. Zalatoris disclosed the procedure during a media day appearance ahead of the Austin Championship, calling it the latest step in a four-year run of injuries that have disrupted his career.

What surgery is Zalatoris having?

Zalatoris said he will undergo spinal-fusion surgery in Dallas next month, a procedure similar to one Tiger Woods has had, though with a different surgeon. Three Tour physical therapists told him the surgery was necessary at some point, he said. "I'm the oldest 30-year-old you will ever meet," Zalatoris said of his medical history.

The 30-year-old has one PGA Tour victory and has finished runner-up at both the Masters and the PGA Championship. He missed part of the 2026 season with a torn labrum, an injury that followed back surgery in 2025. Zalatoris said he reinjured his back this spring at the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio after attempting to play 27 holes in cool weather, a tournament that turned out to be his last of the year following an appearance in Houston the week before.

Zalatoris intends to play the Austin Championship at Omni Barton Creek Resort from Nov. 12-15 before having the surgery at the end of the month. He said the PGA Tour has indicated he could return for the 2028 season, potentially through the Challenger Series.