While many of the world’s best players are in the Bahamas this week for Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge, Will Zalatoris is in South Africa for the DP World Tour’s Nedbank Golf Challenge.
The man affectionally known as Willy Z spoke with the DPWT about his offseason and the extensive work he’s put in to return to the form that saw him win the FedEx St. Jude Championship in 2022.
“It has been a great offseason,” he said. “I have worked probably the hardest I ever have. I picked up 15 pounds of muscle this offseason. I absolutely busted my tail trying to get my speed back, really get better with the broomstick and it has been good.
“I haven’t played much but that was on purpose. I wanted to be home, be able to eat my 4,500 calories a day and 200 grams of protein and train and get better.”
Zalatoris mentioned that this was his first true offseason in years, as the PGA Tour’s old wraparound season and injury rehab took up most of his time in the past.
Will Zalatoris tees off on the third hole during a practice round for The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Network
The 28-year-old pulled out of the Masters in 2023 due to a back injury, and after having surgery shortly after leaving Augusta National, the fan-favorite has been working his way back to form ever since.
As for other activities he’s been up to this week, Zalatoris went on a safari to catch a glimpse of the wildlife South Africa has to offer.
“It was incredible,” he said. “We saw everything you could think of: lions, monkeys, giraffes, hippos, everything. Big five, little five, ugly five … all of it. It was just an amazing experience.”
After Thursday’s first round of the Nedbank, Zalatoris is tied for 41st in the 66-man field at 2 over, while defending champion Max Homa is alone in first at 6 under.