Player Profile

“I'm thrilled to be heading to South Africa for the Nedbank Golf Challenge, which has a rich history as one of the most prestigious events on the DP World Tour.”

Zalatoris is back for his second experience of “Africa’s Major” and as part of a strong contingent of players from the PGA TOUR.

The American made his debut at the 2024 Nedbank Golf Challenge after initially wanting to play in the 2022 event but being forced to withdraw because of injury.

Zalatoris has been troubled by back injury in his career and the Nedbank Golf Challenge will be one of his first tournaments after surgery this year. But the former PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year says he is feeling very optimistic about his future following this latest surgery.

It is a welcome return to the fairways for one of the most promising talents in the game.

Zalatoris made a huge statement when after turning professional he finished in the top-10 seven times in his first 12 Majors.

Following an impressive amateur career during which he forged a close friendship with Jordan Spieth, Zalatoris broke through on the PGA TOUR with his victory in the 2022 FedEx St Jude Championship. That same year he finished runner up in both the US Open and PGA Championship, losing a playoff to Justin Thomas for the latter.

His sporting prowess no doubt comes from his mother, who was a college track and field star for the University of Oregon.

Outside the ropes this year, Zalatoris featured as a character in Adam Sandler’s golf movie Happy Gilmore 2.