Will Zalatoris Withdraws from Cognizant Classic Due to Ankle Injury, Career Concerns Mount
In a disheartening development on the PGA Tour, Will Zalatoris has once again been forced to withdraw from a tournament before it even began. The 29-year-old golfer pulled out of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches just prior to Thursday's first round, citing an ongoing left ankle problem that has resurfaced at a critical juncture in his career.
Timing Could Not Be Worse for Zalatoris
Tournament officials accommodated Zalatoris's late withdrawal by inserting an alternate into the field during the latter stages of the withdrawal process. The timing is particularly frustrating for Zalatoris, who was finally returning to near-regular competitive action after an era of injuries that derailed his promising career trajectory.
With the Florida swing about to commence and FedExCup points now at a premium, this latest absence adds a new layer of concern about whether Zalatoris can string together enough competitive starts to play consistently throughout 2026.
Injury Details Remain Unclear
Tournament officials confirmed that Zalatoris withdrew specifically with a left ankle injury but declined to elaborate on the nature or severity of the issue. The withdrawal is especially disappointing given that Zalatoris was scheduled to play alongside other big names in one of the featured groups, making the early-round draw particularly intriguing for golf fans.
Instead, his third start of the season ended before it truly began, leaving questions about his immediate future on the tour.
Recent Performance Shows Glimmers of Hope
Earlier this year, Zalatoris showed glimpses of his former elite form with a solid finish at The American Express, demonstrating he remains capable of playing at a high level when healthy. However, the following week brought far less success at the Farmers Insurance Open, highlighting the inconsistency that has plagued his comeback attempts.
The Cognizant Classic represented another crucial opportunity to build momentum in the right direction. Had he competed, the notoriously difficult "Bear Trap" stretch at PGA National would have provided an important litmus test for his accuracy and poise under pressure—qualities that once made him one of the most feared ball strikers in professional golf.
Long History of Injury Struggles
Zalatoris's career has been marked by persistent physical ailments, with major back problems becoming increasingly frequent over recent years. His medical history includes:
- A 2023 microdiscectomy for herniated discs that caused him to miss the majority of that season
- Subsequent artificial disc replacement surgery after attempting a comeback
- Years away from competitive golf during his recovery periods
Despite these significant obstacles, the former major championship contender has shown remarkable resolve in his returns to competition. Zalatoris was once ranked among the top five players in the world and was frequently touted as possessing one of the most technically sound swings in professional golf.
Future Remains Uncertain
Zalatoris has been attempting to restore both his game and his world ranking while playing on medical exemptions. This latest ankle concern adds to a medical resume that has already tested the limits of his physical and mental fortitude.
The Cognizant Classic withdrawal represents more than just a missed tournament—it symbolizes the ongoing battle Zalatoris faces in his quest to return to the elite level of professional golf where he once comfortably resided.
As the PGA Tour moves forward with its Florida swing, all eyes will be on Zalatoris's recovery timeline and whether he can overcome this latest setback to compete consistently in what remains a crucial season for his long-term career prospects.
