Will Zalatoris was aware that recovering from back surgery would not be a simple task. It takes time not only to fully recover but also to get back into training. In an interview with the media, Zalatoris confirmed that he had to make adjustments, starting with his swing.
Zalatoris showcased his skill at the Genisis Invitational, finishing just two shots behind the leader after the first round. He spoke about the challenging conditions at the tournament, particularly the strong wind that posed a problem for everyone, including himself.
“The front side today was pleasant because the wind wasn’t too strong, but the back side, with the wind against us for five holes, was more difficult. Even though the leader is at seven under and there are several players at five-plus under, I had to hit a gap wedge from 162 yards on the 18th hole. It just shows how windy it is,” Zalatoris stated, as quoted by golfmonthly.com.
Although Zalatoris didn’t have an ideal start to the season after his return from back surgery, he made progress with each tournament. He attributed some of his improved performances to the extra time off, which allowed him to recover physically and work on his mental game. He realized the importance of adapting from tournament to tournament, which proved to be the right approach. Returning from an injury requires adapting and maximizing one’s potential.
“The extra time off definitely helped. I could have returned in six months, but I took eight. It gave me ample time to reflect on things. Starting with a top 20 finish at the Hero World Challenge wasn’t the start I was hoping for, finishing last by nine strokes. However, I feel like I’m improving every week and learning something new about my game, where I stand, and the changes I’ve made. I’m getting used to it,” Zalatoris explained.
Zalatoris mentioned that he is still adjusting to a recent change in his golf swing. It’s something he has to consciously think about during his rounds. When you’ve played a sport for years, most of it becomes second nature. However, injuries force you to change your style and adapt, which can be a challenging process. In the midst of adaptation, there is an opportunity to learn and understand that golf often requires flexibility.
Although he performed well on the front nine, Zalatoris acknowledged the need to focus on the mechanics of his swing. He hopes that by playing more rounds and putting himself in contention, he will gradually become more comfortable with the changes. There’s no doubt that Zalatoris will continue to improve over time.
During his return to golf, Zalatoris made several changes, including switching to a new broomstick putter. Despite not having much practice time with it, he dedicated himself to getting accustomed to its feel and mechanics. It took him a few months to figure out the best way to utilize it. Additionally, he focused on practicing in windy conditions to overcome the difficulties they posed.
After struggling in the wind during a tournament in Hawaii, Zalatoris realized the importance of practicing in such conditions. With his new putter, he now treats every putt as if it were straight, concentrating on hitting a specific spot and accepting the outcome, even if the putt goes slightly past the target. This moment can be a turning point for the 27-year-old golfer to make significant progress.
Zalatoris emphasized the challenges he faced during his return from injury last year and stressed the importance of simplicity in his current comeback. He recognizes the need to stick to his strengths as a ball striker and streamline his approach, avoiding unnecessary pressure and complexities. Although he may be overthinking various aspects of his game at times, the injury serves as a reminder of the need for careful consideration.
The focus is on finding comfort and gradually increasing speed in his game. Zalatoris evaluates his performance in the Bahamas and acknowledges the incremental improvements he makes each week. He plans to continue playing in the upcoming weeks to maintain the positive momentum of his comeback journey.
According to the Source tennisworldusa.org