How did a golfer with only one PGA Tour victory become one of the most recognizable major-championship contenders of his generation? Will Zalatoris has recorded three runner-up finishes in major championships, earned the 2021 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award, and reached a career-high position of World No. 7. His combination of elite ball-striking, calm course management, and resilience through back injuries has made him a major name in modern professional golf.
Will Zalatoris Biography: Quick Facts
| Full name | William Patrick Zalatoris |
| Date of birth | August 16, 1996 |
| Will Zalatoris age in 2026 | 29 years old, turning 30 on August 16, 2026 |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Hometown | Plano, Texas, United States |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) |
| College | Wake Forest University |
| Turned professional | 2018 |
| Wife | Caitlin Sellers |
| PGA Tour wins | 1 |
Early Life, Hometown and Family
Will Zalatoris was born in San Francisco, California, on August 16, 1996, but he grew up in Plano, Texas. Plano is widely recognized as his hometown and the place where his competitive golf development accelerated. Texas provided the future PGA Tour professional with a strong junior-golf environment, demanding golf courses, and year-round playing opportunities.
Zalatoris is the son of Richard Zalatoris and Catherine Zalatoris. His parents supported his junior golf ambitions as he progressed through amateur tournaments in Texas and nationally. Although he was born in California, his identity as a golfer is closely linked to North Texas, where he developed alongside several accomplished young players.
One notable connection from his early years is Jordan Spieth. Zalatoris and Spieth became friends as children in the Dallas-area golf community, and both later established themselves as PGA Tour players. Their shared Texas background remains a frequently discussed part of Will Zalatoris’ biography.
College Golf Career at Wake Forest
Before turning professional, Zalatoris played college golf at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Wake Forest has produced several elite professional golfers, including Arnold Palmer, Curtis Strange, Jay Sigel, and Webb Simpson.
During his amateur career, Zalatoris represented the United States in the 2017 Walker Cup, one of golf’s premier amateur team events. He also reached the semifinals of the 2017 U.S. Amateur Championship. These performances confirmed his ability to compete against top-level amateur talent before beginning his professional career in 2018.
Will Zalatoris PGA Tour Career and Major Results
Will Zalatoris initially gained attention on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he won the 2020 TPC Colorado Championship at Heron Lakes. His consistent results quickly helped him secure opportunities on the PGA Tour.
His breakout season arrived in 2021. Zalatoris finished tied for second at the Masters Tournament in his Augusta National debut, ending one stroke behind champion Hideki Matsuyama. That performance helped him win the 2021 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award, also known as the Arnold Palmer Award.
His first PGA Tour victory came at the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. Zalatoris defeated Sepp Straka in a playoff, earning a major career milestone and proving he could close out tournaments against elite competition.
| Event | Finish | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Masters Tournament | Tied 2nd | 2021 |
| PGA Championship | Tied 2nd, lost playoff to Justin Thomas | 2022 |
| U.S. Open | Tied 2nd | 2022 |
| FedEx St. Jude Championship | Winner | 2022 |
Back Injury and Return to Competition
Back injuries have been an important part of Will Zalatoris’ career story. He underwent back surgery in April 2023 and missed the remainder of that PGA Tour season. He returned to competition in 2024, but later announced another back procedure in 2025, again requiring time away from tournament golf.
For a player known for generating high clubhead speed with a powerful, athletic swing, health management has been essential. His future PGA Tour schedule and tournament entries should always be checked through official PGA Tour announcements because recovery timelines can change.
Will Zalatoris Wife, Wedding and Children
Will Zalatoris is married to Caitlin Sellers. The couple became engaged in 2021 and married on December 9, 2023. Sellers has appeared with Zalatoris at golf events and has supported him throughout his professional career, including during his injury rehabilitation periods.
Regarding children, Zalatoris and Sellers keep much of their personal life private. No child has been publicly identified in his official player biography or widely confirmed public announcements. Fans searching for Will Zalatoris’ wife and children should rely on verified statements from the golfer, his family, or official PGA Tour channels rather than unconfirmed social-media reports.
What Makes Will Zalatoris a Standout Golfer?
Will Zalatoris is best known for elite iron play, strong tee-to-green statistics, and a composed approach on difficult championship golf courses. His 6-foot-2 frame and long swing generate substantial distance, while his precise approach shots have made him especially dangerous on major-championship layouts such as Augusta National, Southern Hills, and The Country Club.
As of 2026, the defining theme of the Will Zalatoris biography is perseverance. From Plano junior golf to Wake Forest, the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour contention, major near-misses, a breakthrough victory, and repeated injury recovery, Zalatoris remains one of the most talented players seeking his first major championship title.
