Will Zalatoris has already accomplished a great deal in his young career, and his journey is far from over
His resilience, exceptional ball-striking, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations make him a player to watch in the coming years.
With his relentless drive and unwavering focus, Will Zalatoris is poised to become one of the biggest names in professional golf.
Will Zalatoris has built an impressive financial career through his success on the PGA Tour, major championship performances, and endorsement deals.
While his earnings have fluctuated from year to year, his 2022 season remains his most profitable, with a record $15 million in total earnings.
As of 2025, he continues to compete at the highest level, and his earnings will likely grow as he secures more wins and sponsorships.
Whether through prize money or endorsement deals, Zalatoris has firmly established himself as a lucrative presence in professional golf.
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Table of Contents
Will Zalatoris: Who Is He?
A Rising Star in Professional Golf
William “Will” Zalatoris was born on August 16, 1996, in San Francisco, California. From a young age, he displayed an exceptional talent for golf, which was nurtured by his supportive family.1
His early golfing years were spent honing his skills at Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, Texas. His impressive performances at the high school level earned him a place at Wake Forest University, where he further refined his game.
During his collegiate years, Zalatoris quickly established himself as one of the most promising young golfers in the country. He was named an ACC Player of the Year and received All-American honors multiple times.
Between 2014 and 2017, he claimed five amateur titles, the most notable being the 2014 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. His strong performances in amateur competitions paved the way for his transition to the professional circuit.
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— Will Zalatoris (@WillZalatoris) March 4, 2024
Early Life and Amateur Career
Zalatoris made the pivotal decision to leave Wake Forest University after his junior year to pursue a professional career in 2018.
Like many aspiring golfers, he faced the challenge of navigating the highly competitive landscape of professional golf.
Without a PGA Tour card, he relied on sponsor exemptions and Monday qualifiers to participate in tournaments.
He began competing on the Korn Ferry Tour, the developmental tour for the PGA. However, his early years were marked by financial struggles and inconsistent performances.
Despite these obstacles, his resilience and determination kept him going.
Will Zalatoris: Career
Breakthrough on the Korn Ferry Tour
In 2020, Zalatoris finally had his breakthrough moment when he secured his first professional victory at the TPC Colorado Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour.2
This win was a turning point in his career, giving him the confidence and momentum to pursue a PGA Tour card.
Throughout the 2020 season, Zalatoris showcased remarkable consistency, frequently finishing in the top 10.
His strong performance on the Korn Ferry Tour earned him enough points to qualify for the PGA Tour, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Making an Impact on the PGA Tour
After earning his PGA Tour card, Zalatoris wasted no time making his presence felt. During the 2020-21 season, he displayed exceptional skill and composure, which quickly made him a fan favorite.
His first significant breakthrough on the PGA Tour came at the 2021 Masters Tournament, where he finished as the runner-up to Hideki Matsuyama.
His performance at Augusta National was nothing short of spectacular, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level.
His success in his rookie season did not go unnoticed. At the end of the 2020-21 season, Zalatoris was named the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, an accolade that solidified his status as one of golf’s brightest young stars.
First PGA Tour Victory: A Defining Moment
After coming close multiple times, Zalatoris finally secured his maiden PGA Tour victory at the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship.
He defeated Sepp Straka in a thrilling playoff, showcasing his resilience and clutch performance under pressure.
This victory was not only a personal milestone but also a significant step toward establishing himself as a consistent contender on the PGA Tour.
Will Zalatoris: Playing Style and Strengths
One of Zalatoris’ most defining traits as a golfer is his exceptional ball-striking ability.3
His accuracy with irons and his ability to shape shots make him a formidable competitor on any course.
Additionally, his fearless approach and mental toughness allow him to perform well in high-pressure situations.
However, one area where he has faced criticism is his putting. While his tee-to-green game is among the best on the tour, his putting has been inconsistent at times.
Despite this, he has worked diligently to improve, and his efforts have yielded noticeable improvements in recent tournaments.
Career Challenges and Overcoming Adversity
Like many professional athletes, Zalatoris has faced challenges in his career. Injuries, particularly back issues, have occasionally sidelined him and affected his performance.
However, his commitment to recovery and continuous improvement has allowed him to bounce back each time.
Another challenge he has faced is managing expectations. As a young player who burst onto the scene with incredible performances, the pressure to maintain and exceed those expectations has been immense.
Nevertheless, Zalatoris has shown remarkable composure and maturity in handling the demands of professional golf.
Major Championship Performances
While Zalatoris has yet to win a major championship, his performances in golf’s biggest events have been impressive.
He has finished as a runner-up in multiple majors, including the 2022 PGA Championship and the 2022 U.S. Open.
These strong finishes indicate that he is on the brink of securing his first major victory, and it is only a matter of time before he breaks through.
As of March 2025, Zalatoris is ranked world number 62, though his career-high ranking of number 7 in September 2022 remains a testament to his talent and potential. With continued improvement and experience, he is expected to rise in the rankings once again.
Looking ahead, Zalatoris’ primary goal will be to win a major championship and establish himself as one of the top golfers in the world. Given his track record and work ethic, he has all the tools necessary to achieve these milestones.
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Will Zalatoris’ Career Earnings
A Comprehensive Overview
Will Zalatoris has made a significant impact on the PGA Tour, establishing himself as one of the premier golfers of his generation.
Despite facing injuries and fluctuations in form, Zalatoris has accumulated impressive career earnings through official tournaments, major championships, and endorsement deals.
As of March 2025, his total PGA career earnings stand at $26 million. This article explores his earnings trajectory, major winnings, and endorsements.
As of March 2025, Zalatoris’ earnings for the year total $911,752. His highest payout so far in the season came from a tied 22nd finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, earning him $178,111.
Compared to his previous seasons, 2025 has seen a slow start, but his career earnings continue to reflect his success in professional golf.
Breakdown of PGA Tour Earnings (2021-2025)
Below is a year-by-year breakdown of Zalatoris’ earnings, including official event winnings, unofficial payouts, Tour Championship bonuses, and Player Impact Program (PIP) incentives:
| Year | Official Payouts | Unofficial Payouts | Tour Championship | PIP | Cash Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $3,248,646 | – | – | – | $3,248,646 |
| 2022 | $5,615,227 | $97,500 | $500,000 | $5M | $11,212,727 |
| 2023 | $1,474,780 | $120,000 | – | – | $1,594,780 |
| 2024 | $3,980,351 | – | – | – | $3,980,351 |
| 2025 | $911,752 | – | – | – | $911,752 |
| Total | $15,230,756 | $217,500 | $500,000 | $5M | $20,948,256 |
Will Zalatoris’ Endorsements and Sponsorship Deals
Beyond his tournament winnings, Zalatoris has secured multiple endorsement deals that significantly contribute to his overall earnings.
As per his Instagram handle (@willzalatoris), he is sponsored by:
- Titleist – Equipment and golf ball sponsor
- FootJoy – Apparel and footwear partner
- Simmons Bank – Financial institution partnership
- UKG – Workforce solutions sponsor
- Omega – Luxury watch brand partnership
- iCapital Network – Investment management sponsorship
- FanDuel – Sports betting sponsorship
- Lexus – Automotive partner
- Magellan Jets – Private aviation sponsor
These endorsements provide him with a steady income outside of tournament winnings, further solidifying his financial standing in professional golf.
Major championships are a key source of income for professional golfers, and Zalatoris has earned over $5 million from these events.
His best years in the majors came in 2021 and 2022, where he consistently placed high in the Masters, U.S. Open, and PGA Championship.
Year-by-Year Major Championship Earnings
| Year | Masters | PGA Championship | U.S. Open | The Open | Cash Total |
| 2021 | $263,000 | – | $424,040 | – | $687,040 |
| 2022 | $1,620,000 | – | $1,557,687 | $90,917 | $3,789,854 |
| 2024 | $48,969 | – | – | – | $588,969 |
| Total | $1,931,969 | – | $1,981,727 | $90,917 | $5,065,863 |
His runner-up finishes at the Masters and the U.S. Open in 2022 significantly boosted his career earnings.
Will Zalatoris’ Earnings in the 2024 Season
In the 2024 season, Zalatoris earned $4.56 million, with $588,969 coming from major championships and $3.98 million from official events.
His highest single-event payout was at the Genesis Invitational, where he finished tied for second and earned $1.8 million.
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Notable Earnings from the 2024 Season
| Tournament | Place | Earnings |
| The Genesis Invitational | T2 | $1,800,000 |
| Arnold Palmer Invitational | T4 | $920,000 |
| Masters Tournament | T9 | $540,000 |
| FedEx St. Jude Championship | T12 | $405,000 |
| BMW Championship | T13 | $344,111 |
Will Zalatoris’ Highest-Earning Year: 2022
Zalatoris’ most lucrative season was in 2022 when he earned $15 million. His earnings were driven by strong performances in major championships, official PGA Tour events, and a $5 million PIP bonus.
Notable Earnings from the 2022 Season
- FedEx St. Jude Championship – Winner ($2.7M)
- PGA Championship – Runner-up ($1.62M)
- U.S. Open – Runner-up ($1.55M)
- PIP Bonus – $5M
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