Will Zalatoris, the 25-year-old American professional golfer, started the PGA Tour season without being a full member. But recently, he was announced the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year for the 2020-21 season.
In an undoubtedly impressive season by the world number 31, he amazed everyone by bagging this title. Zalatoris became the first temporary member to win this award since Charles Howell III in 2001. However, he is not yet a permanent member of the PGA Tour.
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Ecstatic responses by friends and family
As amazed as we are, those close to Will Zalatoris are understandably euphoric at this feat. His friends and family took the time to congratulate him and sent video recordings to express their excitement.
In this compilation, we can footballer Tony Romo, coach Jerry Haas and fellow golfer Scottie Scheffler congratulating him on his success. Scottie Scheffler said, “I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving.” Jay Monahan praised him by saying, “Mr Palmer’s looking down at you with a big smile on his face.”
“I couldn’t be more proud of you for winning this award.”
Friends and family congratulate 2021 Rookie of the Year winner @WillZalatoris. pic.twitter.com/1A6klpBYKz
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 13, 2021
“The best is still yet to come,” said Will Zalatoris’ emotional father. And we truly hope that this is just the beginning of the road to success for this exceptionally talented youngster.
When did Will Zalatoris make his first PGA Tour appearance?
The pandemic ruled out the question of qualification from the Korn Ferry Tour last year. They combined their 2020 and 2021 season, meaning no one qualified. This meant that the only way to earn a spot at the 2021 PGA Tour was by becoming a special temporary member. In an extraordinary moment for him, he managed to book his spot by tying for 16th at the Bermuda Championship.
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Dreams sometime overtake your goals. 💭 pic.twitter.com/V44BETyMFs
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 13, 2021
And in an undeniably impressive maiden appearance, Zalatoris completed the 2020-21 PGA Tour season with 14 top-25 finishes. At his debut appearance at the 2021 masters, he finished second, one stroke behind leader Hideki Matsuyama. Another milestone in his career was at the 2020 US Open. He finished T-6 alongside former world number 1, Dustin Johnson. This was his first top-10 finish at a major championship.
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With his first real taste of victory, where do you think Will Zalatoris will find himself in the upcoming years?
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