Has Will Zalatoris won a major championship? Entering the 2026 major season, the answer is no, but his record in golf’s biggest tournaments shows how close he has come. Zalatoris has posted three runner-up finishes in major championships, including a one-stroke loss at the 2021 Masters and a playoff defeat at the 2022 PGA Championship.
For golfers and fans tracking Will Zalatoris Major Wins, the 2026 scoreboard remains at zero major titles. However, the American’s elite ball-striking, major-championship consistency, and repeated appearances near the top of leaderboards make him one of the notable active players still seeking a first major victory.
Will Zalatoris Major Wins: 2026 Scoreboard
| Category | Record Entering 2026 |
|---|---|
| Major Championship Wins | 0 |
| Major Championship Runner-Up Finishes | 3 |
| Best Masters Finish | 2nd, 2021 |
| Best PGA Championship Finish | 2nd, 2022 |
| Best U.S. Open Finish | T-2nd, 2022 |
| PGA Tour Wins | 1 |
How Close Has Will Zalatoris Come to Winning a Major?
Zalatoris’ major record is defined by narrow margins. His first major breakthrough arrived at the 2021 Masters Tournament at Augusta National, where he finished solo second in his Masters debut. He posted a four-round total of 279, 9 under par, finishing one stroke behind champion Hideki Matsuyama at 278.
That performance immediately established Zalatoris as a player suited to demanding championship courses. Augusta National rewards strong iron play, creative recovery shots, and patience around difficult greens, all areas that have been central to Zalatoris’ game.
2021 Masters Tournament: Solo Second
At the 2021 Masters, Will Zalatoris nearly became the first player since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979 to win the green jacket in his Masters debut. His 9-under finish was one shot short, but it remains one of the strongest first appearances in tournament history.
2022 PGA Championship: Playoff Loss at Southern Hills
The closest Zalatoris has come to a major win was the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He finished 72 holes tied with Justin Thomas at 5 under par, forcing a three-hole aggregate playoff.
Thomas won the playoff by one stroke, 11 to 12, leaving Zalatoris with another runner-up finish. Despite the disappointment, his performance showed that he could contend under the pressure of a Sunday major championship.
2022 U.S. Open: Tied for Second at The Country Club
Only one month after the PGA Championship playoff, Zalatoris again challenged for a major at the 2022 U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. He finished tied for second at 5 under par, one stroke behind winner Matt Fitzpatrick, who finished at 6 under.
Zalatoris shared second place with Scottie Scheffler, underlining the quality of the leaderboard. The result gave him three top-two major finishes within a span of five major starts, an exceptional run for a player still early in his PGA Tour career.
Will Zalatoris’ PGA Tour Win
While he is still searching for his first major championship, Zalatoris owns one official PGA Tour victory. He won the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind, defeating Sepp Straka in a playoff.
The victory was important for more than his trophy count. It confirmed that Zalatoris could finish tournaments after several close calls and earned him a place among the PGA Tour’s most respected young competitors.
Why Zalatoris Can Still Win a Major
Will Zalatoris has the profile of a future major champion. Born on August 16, 1996, he combines high-level distance with one of the more reliable tee-to-green games among PGA Tour contenders when healthy. His best results have come on difficult layouts where precise approach shots and disciplined strategy matter most.
His major-championship résumé already includes elite finishes at the Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open. The Open Championship is the major where he will need to build a deeper record, particularly on firm, windy links courses that demand shot-making versatility.
Will Zalatoris Major Championship Outlook for 2026
The most accurate summary of Will Zalatoris Major Wins entering 2026 is simple: zero victories, three runner-up finishes, and proven ability to contend against the world’s best players. His near-misses at Augusta National, Southern Hills, and Brookline demonstrate that a first major title is a realistic possibility rather than a distant goal.
For Zalatoris, the next objective is turning those close finishes into a major trophy. With his past performance in golf’s biggest events, he remains a player to watch at the Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship.
