‘Get stronger’ – Golfer Will Zalatoris unveils subtle body transformation after 20lb move
Will Zalatoris is ready to muscle his way back to the top. The 28-year-old endured a frustrating 2024 season with a host of injuries and zero wins. GettyZalatoris had a wiry frame during his days as a college golfer[/caption] But he has been putting in the work off the course – piling on 20 pounds of muscle. It is already paying off as Zalatoris began 2025 with a superb eight-under round of 65 on Kapalua’s Plantation Course – good enough to put him a shot behind leader Tom Hoge at The Sentry. “I think the best way I could describe how I’m feeling compared to where I was before this weight gain was I thought I was at my 100%, and it still didn’t feel good,” he revealed. “I knew I needed to get stronger. It wasn’t so much about the speed. I know that the speed will come. “I needed the stability to make sure that I was able to do what I’m doing. “Down the road, if I feel like I’m able to maybe add a couple miles an hour here or there, great, but speed’s really not my concern right now, it’s all about longevity.” Zalatoris described himself as “super skinny and wiry” where he reached career-high rank of world No. 7 in 2022. He decided to hit the gym after his frame struggled to cope with the demands of life on tour and injuries saw him slide to 63rd in the rankings. “I was kind of laughing because going up No. 9 is our worst walk we have all year, and normally I’m huffing and puffing,” he added. “I was like, ‘Okay, I know it’s Thursday and we’ve been off a while, but that’s the best I’ve felt.’” GettyHe has added 20lbs as he looks for more stability[/caption] GettyHis year has got off to a strong start in Hawaii[/caption] Zalatoris’ ball-striking has never been an issue but he often let himself down on the greens. Using a broomstick putter since late 2023 has helped from under three metres. The Texan, who has finished second in The Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open is now working on his mid-range putts. Coach Josh Gregory has him attempting 30 from various distances, aiming to make nine, as part of preparations But Zalatoris also made sure to take a proper break over the winter. “I’m hoping this will carry me through the year,” he said. “Normally guys will grind their tail off for around the holidays getting ready for the year, and my wife and I went on vacation, and then weather wasn’t great in Dallas, so the last round of golf I played prior to coming here was December 12th. “So it’s kind of nice coming in rested, and when I’m coming out here and everything feels really good.”
Will Zalatoris is ready to muscle his way back to the top.
The 28-year-old endured a frustrating 2024 season with a host of injuries and zero wins.
But he has been putting in the work off the course – piling on 20 pounds of muscle.
It is already paying off as Zalatoris began 2025 with a superb eight-under round of 65 on Kapalua’s Plantation Course – good enough to put him a shot behind leader Tom Hoge at The Sentry.
“I think the best way I could describe how I’m feeling compared to where I was before this weight gain was I thought I was at my 100%, and it still didn’t feel good,” he revealed.
“I knew I needed to get stronger. It wasn’t so much about the speed. I know that the speed will come.
“I needed the stability to make sure that I was able to do what I’m doing.
“Down the road, if I feel like I’m able to maybe add a couple miles an hour here or there, great, but speed’s really not my concern right now, it’s all about longevity.”
Zalatoris described himself as “super skinny and wiry” where he reached career-high rank of world No. 7 in 2022.
He decided to hit the gym after his frame struggled to cope with the demands of life on tour and injuries saw him slide to 63rd in the rankings.
“I was kind of laughing because going up No. 9 is our worst walk we have all year, and normally I’m huffing and puffing,” he added.
“I was like, ‘Okay, I know it’s Thursday and we’ve been off a while, but that’s the best I’ve felt.’”
Zalatoris’ ball-striking has never been an issue but he often let himself down on the greens.
Using a broomstick putter since late 2023 has helped from under three metres.
The Texan, who has finished second in The Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open is now working on his mid-range putts.
Coach Josh Gregory has him attempting 30 from various distances, aiming to make nine, as part of preparations
But Zalatoris also made sure to take a proper break over the winter.
“I’m hoping this will carry me through the year,” he said.
“Normally guys will grind their tail off for around the holidays getting ready for the year, and my wife and I went on vacation, and then weather wasn’t great in Dallas, so the last round of golf I played prior to coming here was December 12th.
“So it’s kind of nice coming in rested, and when I’m coming out here and everything feels really good.”
