Will Zalatoris posted a fine round of 64 to end the week at the American Express, securing a top-20 finish in the process.
Zalatoris has been through some really challenging times recently, so his decent showing at the American Express was a welcome one.
The man who resides in Dallas, Texas, seemed set for stardom when he burst onto the scene around six years ago.
However, he has struggled to live up to expectations so far, albeit not through any fault of his own.
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Zalatoris was forced to undergo back surgery for the second time in 2025 and he only played 11 PGA Tour events that year.
The fact that the 29-year-old is back swinging freely is a huge positive.
Could we see a resurgence from Zalatoris in 2026? He certainly seems confident about his chances of returning to his very best.
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The American would have been hugely encouraged by his final round 64 on the tricky Pete Dye Stadium Course on Sunday.
Zalatoris was asked to sum up his performance during his 2026 PGA Tour debut.
“Yeah, really good, besides a couple holes on the Nicklaus Course,“ Zalatoris said.
“I putted really well, been working with Blair Phillips at home. It’s been a massive change. Taking ownership on the putting green, and I think this year you’re going to see a massive difference in my putting this year in general.
“Yeah, it’s nice to, any 64 on Sunday feels pretty good, especially after the last three years I’ve been through.“
Zalatoris finished seventh in strokes gained putting on day four of the American Express, so it seems as though he’s already reaping the rewards of his hard work.
Will Zalatoris explains putting change in detail
Zalatoris has always struggled on the greens, especially from close range.
However, that could be about to change in 2026 and beyond.
What has he been working on specifically, though?
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He was asked whether the change in his putting has been more mechanical or mental.
“It’s actually more, it’s a, there was a little bit of mechanics, and then a little bit of what he calls, Get a Ph.D. in how you putt,“ Zalatoris explained.
“So I’ve always seen straight lines, putt with a line on my ball, putt to a spot. And any time that I got off I was just losing my lines. He gave me a couple triggers that were super helpful and obviously they have been working so far.
“The mission from here is, this is like 2021 for me, okay, being on a medical the mission is to go to the next week.
“I don’t know when I’ll be playing next after next week. I don’t know if we’ll get into Phoenix. I just got to stay ready. Game feels good, so whoever calls my name next I’ll be there.“
It will be very interesting to monitor Zalatoris’ progress over the next few months, after his top-20 finish at the American Express.
If he manages to putt well in 2026, Zalatoris will surely return to the winner’s circle before too long.
