Zalatoris out for 2023 season after back surgery

Will Zalatoris announced he will miss the remainder of the 2023 PGA TOUR season after undergoing back surgery Saturday.

"After careful consideration and seeking multiple medical opinions, I underwent a successful microdiscectomy on Saturday," Zalatoris wrote in a statement. "As much as I hate not being able to play the rest of this season, I am happy that I am already seeing the benefits of the procedure. Playing and living in pain is not fun. I look forward to making a full recovery and seeing everyone in the fall."

Zalatoris withdrew from the Masters due to injury before his Round 1 tee time Thursday. The 26-year-old also had back surgery for herniated discs at the end of last season.

Zalatoris has appeared in eight events this season, registering a single top-10 finish. The 2020-21 rookie of the year is ranked eighth in the world and has one career victory after winning the FedEx St. Jude Championship last season.