Will Zalatoris Withdraws Ahead of First Round at Cognizant Classic After Long Back Battle
Will Zalatoris has withdrawn ahead of the first round of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, removing a notable name from the tournament field and delaying what had been expected to be an early-season return. The withdrawal comes after a multi-year run of back procedures and after Zalatoris had recently described feeling pain-free for the first time in a long period.
Will Zalatoris withdraws before planned tee time at PGA National
The withdrawal was announced with no reason provided. Zalatoris had been scheduled to tee off alongside two fellow competitors at 12: 23 p. m. ET on Thursday at PGA National. His spot in the field was filled by Ben Silverman.
This entry would have marked Zalatoris' first start since missing the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. In his only other start in 2026, he finished tied for 18th at the American Express. With the withdrawal, what would have been his third tour start of 2026 will now be postponed.
| Scheduled tee time | 12: 23 p. m. ET (Thursday) |
|---|---|
| Playing partners | Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger (original grouping) |
| Replacement in field | Ben Silverman |
Back surgeries, recent recovery update and what this means
Zalatoris has undergone multiple back surgeries over the last three years, a sequence that began in April 2023 and concluded last May after an additional procedure following a missed cut at the PGA Championship. Earlier in the week, he described being pain-free for the first time in a long while and said that symptoms such as sciatica and leg weakness had subsided.
He characterized the recent change in his condition as allowing him to perform the physical work he previously could not, noting that in the past he sometimes had to take extended time off after playing several weeks in a row. Those comments had suggested a possible turning point in his recovery timeline, making the withdrawal ahead of the Cognizant Classic unexpected given the earlier optimism.
No medical explanation or additional detail was provided at the time of the withdrawal. This remains a developing situation and details may evolve as further information becomes available.
Immediate implications and next steps
The immediate effect is a reshuffling of the tournament field and a lost opportunity for Zalatoris to add a third start to his 2026 season. The withdrawal also pauses any immediate assessment of how his recent recovery would translate into competitive form under tournament conditions.
- Field adjustment: Ben Silverman takes Zalatoris' place.
- Season impact: Zalatoris' planned return is delayed; his third Tour start of 2026 will wait.
- Information status: No reason was given for the withdrawal; updates may follow.
For now, the focus will be on monitoring updates about Zalatoris' condition and any timetable for a return to competition. His recent comments about being pain-free had raised expectations for a smoother return to play, but the lack of an explanation for this withdrawal leaves questions unsettled.
